Williams recruits ex-VW motorsport man Demaison as technical director

©Williams

Williams has appointed former VW motorsport engineer Francois-Xavier Demaison has its new technical director.

Demaison, who worked at VW alongside Williams chief executive Jost Capito, led several key programs in the German manufacturer's motorsport department, including the ground-breaking and technology leading ID.R electric race car that achieved multiple records at Pikes Peak, and the dominant Polo R project that won four consecutive titles in the World Rally Championship from 2013 to 2016.

Before joing VW in 2011, the Frenchman, best known as 'FX', was previously involved in F1, touring car and WRC projects with Renault and Peugeot before being appointed as Chief Rally Engineer for the Subaru World Rally team.

"We are delighted to welcome FX to the team," Williams CEO Capito. "I have seen his technical capabilities first-hand, and his sporting successes speak for themselves.

"Bringing in someone of his calibre to our already experienced technical team will help drive the future direction of our operation and strengthen our team.

"I have no doubt that his knowledge will contribute to us taking another important step towards our ambitions of winning again.

"At Williams we have an exciting challenge ahead of us, and I look forward to seeing FX contribute as we continue on this journey."

Read also: Williams opts for brand building over chasing 'last drop of sponsor money'

Demaison's appointment is an important one for Williams as the British outfit as been functioning without a formal tech boss since the departure at the start of the 2019 season of Paddy Lowe.

Demaison says he is "eager" to settle in at Williams and help the Grove-based outfit restore its former luster in F1.

"I am really looking forward to joining Williams Racing, as they begin an exciting journey to turn their performance around," he said.

"It’s going to be a great challenge, but one that I am eager to start.

"They have a great team of talented people, and I hope I can work with them and the senior management team to help carve out a direction for the future, to help the team achieve its ambitions."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.