F1: Williams recruits Ferrari engineer

Williams has tapped into Formula 1 rival Ferrari for its latest engineering recruitment.

Antonio Spagnolo, the former head of Ferrari's tire performance group, has joined the Williams Operations Group as competitor analysis and performance concept team leader. Spagnolo spent 11 years with Ferrari in a number of roles, notably as race and performance engineer for Kimi Raikkonen and Fernando Alonso.

Williams says Spagnolo will focus on "understanding our competitors' strengths and identifying areas of our performance which require prioritization of resources."

The team is also keen to utilize experience gained with Pirelli's tires at Ferrari.

"Williams is determined to continue the positive momentum it has had since 2014 and, with new additions to the team, hopes to become even stronger," Williams chief technical officer Pat Symonds said.

"We are constantly seeing ways to improve our performance and trackside operations and believe Antonio will make a valuable contribution to this process. As a team, we will do our utmost to achieve our on-track ambitions and secure strong positions in the constructors' championship this season, and beyond."

Originally on Autosport.com