Ginetta hires ex-F1 aerodynamicist to LMP1 project

Ginetta has appointed former Williams Formula 1 aerodynamicist Andy Lewis as head of aerodynamics for its forthcoming LMP1 project.

In his new role Lewis will oversee the aerodynamic development of the company's WEC LMP1 L racer which is set to debut in 2018. Prior to his move, he spent time working with BAE Systems and Juno Cars as well as Porsche, focusing on aero testing of its 919 Hybrid which won both the Le Mans 24 Hours and WEC Championship in the past two seasons.

"The opportunity to lead the aerodynamic development of Ginetta's LMP1 car is an exciting prospect," said Lewis. "I'm looking forward to working with Ewan [Baldry] and the rest of the team he has brought together. I'm sure we will be able to draw on all of our experience to deliver a strong solution for the 2018 season."

"We are delighted to welcome Andy to the Ginetta team," Ginetta technical director Ewan Baldry said. "I worked with him for many years at Juno and his knowledge is second to none as he has worked across a multitude of motorsport platforms which will be essential for the success of the project."

Lewis joins an already bolstered design team for the new Mechachrome-powered car, which will feature CFD work from Adrian Reynard's ARC company.

The car's wind tunnel program is set to begin in late May. Ginetta is also set to test a 50 percent scale model of the car with pneumatic tires in a UK-based wind tunnel in the near future.