F1: Williams re-organizes technical department

The Williams Formula 1 team has carried out a reshuffle of its technical lineup that includes bringing in Dave Robson, formerly Jenson Button's race engineer at McLaren.

Robson becomes Felipe Massa's race engineer at Williams, with Andrew Murdoch – who previously held that position – promoted to the new role of senior performance engineer.

"Andrew will lead the performance group at the factory, developing new techniques and processes within the engineering team to ensure continual performance improvements are brought to both cars throughout the season," said a Williams statement.

Longtime Williams man Carl Gaden is promoted from chief race team mechanic to senior car systems engineer, with his old position going to Mark Pattison, formerly Massa's number one mechanic. Jonathan Eddolls continues as Valtteri Bottas's engineer.

The changes are the latest part of a major technical restructure at Williams, headlined by the arrivals of Pat Symonds as chief technical officer and Rob Smedley as head of vehicle performance ahead of 2014.

"Off the back of a great 2014 campaign, Williams is determined to continue this positive momentum into the new season, and these recent changes show our commitment to that goal," said Symonds. "We are proud to be able to promote our existing talent to help strengthen every area within our engineering team. We will continue to invest in new talent where necessary to ensure we have the support and resources to achieve our on-track ambitions throughout 2015 and beyond."

Williams improved from scoring just five points in 2013 and finishing only ninth in the constructors' championship to third place last year, challenging for several grand prix wins and claiming nine podium finishes.

Originally on Autosport.com