BELGIUM: In a significant move to strengthen their technical capabilities, Williams Racing has confirmed the signing of F1 veteran Pat Fry as their new technical chief.
The formal announcement was made at Spa on Friday, marking a pivotal moment for the team as they prepare to build the next chapter of Williams.
Team boss James Vowles expressed his delight in welcoming Pat Fry and highlighted the immense value he will bring to the team.
Fry’s wealth of knowledge and experience in the sport is expected to bolster Williams Racing’s pursuit of excellence, making him a key asset in their journey towards success.
“His knowledge and experience will further strengthen the team’s technical capabilities and pursuit of excellence as we build the next chapter of Williams,” said James Vowles in a statement.
The appointment comes as Williams Racing has been without a technical leader since Francois-Xavier Demaison’s departure in December, as part of a management shake-up that also saw team principal Jost Capito leave.
With the arrival of the new team principal, James Vowles, the team’s focus has been on finding a suitable technical chief and head of aerodynamics. Vowles emphasized that they were willing to take their time and wait for the right candidate who would be available and free from any contractual obligations.
Vowles also emphasized that Williams’ improved form and financial health have made the team more attractive to potential employees in the F1 industry.
He further explained that the team’s commitment to real investment and a clear direction for progress is appealing to those who recognize the team’s potential for moving forward.
Pat Fry, aged 59, currently serves as the chief technical officer of Alpine, joining the Enstone outfit for the second time at the start of the 2020 season.
His illustrious F1 career began with the Benetton team in 1987, where he worked on active suspension and later served as a race engineer.
Fry then moved on to McLaren in 1993, contributing to their active suspension efforts before transitioning into a race engineering role. He went on to become the chief engineer for the 2005, 2007, and 2009 cars.
Subsequently, Fry’s journey led him to Ferrari in 2010, where he took on the role of assistant technical director and worked his way through various positions, including head of trackside engineering and director of chassis.
Although the 2014 season marked the end of his tenure at Ferrari, Fry continued to lend his expertise to Manor Racing in 2016 and made a brief return to McLaren in a temporary capacity.
In November 2019, Fry’s return to Enstone, then under Renault’s banner, was announced. While he is still currently associated with Alpine, his impending move to Williams Racing will bring further changes to the management structure of the team as it transforms.
As Williams Racing eagerly anticipates Pat Fry’s arrival, the F1 community looks forward to witnessing the positive impact of his extensive knowledge and experience on the team’s technical prowess and the quest for excellence.
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