Adam Parr: Sam Michael accountable for 2011 car, Mike Coughlan responsible for 2012’s – Formula 1
Williams’ CEO, Adam Parr, said that the current technical director, Sam Michael, will still be responsible for the 2011 car and the new recruit, Mike Coughlan, will be responsible for the 2012 car, FW34.
Parr added that Mike will be working alongside Sam for the 2011 season before the latter leaves the team at the end of the 2011 Formula 1 season.
Parr, who himself wanted to resign from the Williams’ team, explained that Sam will work in the team to produce some momentum for the 2012 season.
Parr stated, “We have a technical director until the end of the year, and it is important to have clarity in the roles. Sam will remain accountable for this year's car, and because there are minimal changes in rules from this year to next, there is a lot
of continuity”.
Parr further added that the new recruit, Mike, will work as a chief engineer in the team for 2011 season and will take on his new role from next month onwards.
While talking about Mike’s future, Parr said, “That is the way it will run until the end of the year, and then we will make a decision about whether Mike becomes technical director, or remains as chief engineer and we bring someone alongside him as technical
director”.
Previously, Sam Michael and Jon Tomlinson resigned from their duties as technical director and chief aerodynamicist, respectively, effective after the 2011 season concludes.
Williams’ performance in the 2011 season has not been as promising as in the first three races. Both, Rubens Barrichello and Pastor Maldonado, were unable to score points and finished in the lower ranks.
Sam has previously said that he would rethink his role in the Williams’ team because he feels responsible for the failure in 2011 season. Williams’ boss, Frank Williams, assured that more restructuring will be done in the team.
After winning nine constructors’ championship in recent years, Williams have been struggling hard in the last few years.
The 2011 season has been the worst for them but the new recruit, Mike, is a glimpse of hope for the Grove-based team.
Tags: