BAR Snitch Williams Chief Aerodynamicist Willis

Williams chief aerodynamicist Geoff Willis will become British American Racing's new technical director next season, the team announced on Monday.

Willis, one of the most respected aerodynamicists in Formula One, was rumoured to be linked with a switch to the Jaguar team earlier this year, but in a surprise move, the Briton will work for BAR starting in March 2002.

"I see this as a major opportunity," said Willis. "British American Racing Honda is a young team open to new ideas and has the resources in place to achieve its ultimate ambition of winning the Championship.

"I believe I can make a significant contribution and look forward to working with Malcolm (Oastler) in moving the team up the grid."

BAR also announced that current technical director Malcolm Oastler will not leave the team but will become engineering director, overseeing the relationship between the team and its technical partners.

"As Technical Director Geoff will be responsible for the car's aerodynamics and vehicle dynamics programmes," said Oastler.

"I will continue to develop the long-term technical strategy and will concentrate on the design, electronics and engineering functions, as well as managing relationships with key technical partners. To avoid confusion I will be called Engineering Director."

41-year-old Willis is expected to spend much of the time remaining until March 2002 on enforced "gardening leave", as is the norm with key technical staff, to limit the transfer of confidential information.