Dernie joins Toyota as special advisor 29 Aug 2007
Former Williams engineer Frank Dernie has been appointed as a special advisor to the Toyota team, it was announced on Wednesday. Dernie, who has been involved in Formula One racing for over 30 years, will advise the Japanese team on aerodynamic and chassis-related matters.
It is understood the Englishman will focus his attentions on improving the performance of Toyota’s TF107, as well as the development of the 2008 car, the TF108. He will act under the leadership of Pascal Vasselon, Toyota’s senior general manager (chassis), though he will not have a factory-based role and is not expected to attend races frequently.
Welcoming Dernie to the team, Executive Vice President Yoshiaki Kinoshita said: “We are delighted to welcome Frank to the team. He has a tremendous amount of experience in Formula One and, as we are a relatively young team, this will help us move closer to our goals. We are continually striving to improve and I am sure Frank will make a positive contribution.”
Toyota have scored 12 points so far this season and are currently seventh in the constructors’ table.
