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LONDON, England - Williams has at last confirmed long speculation that Rob Smedley will join the British team - and his old mate Massa - for 2014.
It has been a poor paddock secret that the 40-year-old, famous for his close relationship with Felipe Massa as race engineer at Ferrari, was set to follow his friend to Williams in 2014.
And speculation that Smedley would take on a role with greater responsibility has also proved correct, as Williams appointed the him as the new "head of vehicle performance".
BIGGER ROLE
The team said in an official statement, undoubtedly referring to the obligatory 'gardening leave' served by staff as they switch teams: "Rob will join Williams before the Bahrain GP in early April."
Williams' technical boss Pat Symonds said: "We have a number of senior people joining us to assist us in the pursuit of our ambitions and I am extremely excited to welcome them on board."
Massa's race engineer at Williams will be Andrew Murdoch, who worked with the now Lotus-departed Pastor Maldonado in 2013.
Stay with Wheels24 for the 2014 F1 season – fresh reports every day.
It has been a poor paddock secret that the 40-year-old, famous for his close relationship with Felipe Massa as race engineer at Ferrari, was set to follow his friend to Williams in 2014.
And speculation that Smedley would take on a role with greater responsibility has also proved correct, as Williams appointed the him as the new "head of vehicle performance".
BIGGER ROLE
The team said in an official statement, undoubtedly referring to the obligatory 'gardening leave' served by staff as they switch teams: "Rob will join Williams before the Bahrain GP in early April."
Williams' technical boss Pat Symonds said: "We have a number of senior people joining us to assist us in the pursuit of our ambitions and I am extremely excited to welcome them on board."
Massa's race engineer at Williams will be Andrew Murdoch, who worked with the now Lotus-departed Pastor Maldonado in 2013.
Stay with Wheels24 for the 2014 F1 season – fresh reports every day.