Nelson to take over Michael's on-track duties

[davewilson]

Ex-Renault Engineer Rod Nelson, who recently joined the Williams team, will take over much of Technical Director Sam Michael's on-track duties, Manipe F1 has learned. Taking on the role of Chief Operations Manager, Nelson will be in charge of all trackside engineering at races and tests.

Nelson has become part of a reshuffle at Williams following their disappointing 2006 season, during which they recorded their lowest points haul since joining the sport. Nelson, fresh from his championship successes at Renault in 2005 and 2006 as Race Engineer to Alonso, is thus the perfect addition to the Grove-based squad, combining a wealth of experience and race-winning know-how.

“Sam [Michael] will be present at 60% or so of the GPs,“ Communications Manager Liam Clogger told Manipe F1, “but, the intention is Rod [Nelson] will free some resource for Sam to drive car development both at the track and in the factory.“

Sam was present at all of the races in 2006, leading some to believe that his attention was not appropriatly directed, and leading to the eventual demise of the team. He will however remain at the head of the team, with Nelson reporting to the him.

The Stig