Williams announce new chief designer 26 Aug 2005
Williams have confirmed the appointment of German engineer Jorg Zander as their new chief designer. Zander, currently with BAR, will replace Gavin Fisher in the role from next month.
Zander, 41, has over 15 years of motorsport experience, including stints in the World Rally Championship and GT racing with Toyota, and in International Touring Cars with Opel/GM. He entered Formula One racing with Toyota in 1999, before becoming BAR’s chief engineer (mechanics and transmission) in 2002.
“I am delighted that Jorg has decided to join Williams as Chief Designer, consolidating the process of restructuring WilliamsF1’s key technical posts,” said the team’s co-owner and director of engineering, Patrick Head. “I believe we have set the foundation for one of the strongest technical teams in Formula One, and I have every confidence that Jorg will make a considerable contribution to our ambitions for next season and beyond.”
Zander, a former tank driver, will take up his new position in September to lead the key decisions on the development of next year’s Cosworth V8-powered FW28. According to Williams, his appointment complements the company’s process of restructuring their primary technical posts, which began with Head’s change in role and Sam Michael’s ensuing appointment as technical director.
Williams have had something of a rollercoaster season. They took three podium results from the opening six races, but have recently struggled to match their rivals, scoring points in just one of the last six rounds. They currently lie fifth in the constructors’ championship, 19 points behind Toyota.
