Jost Capito: "It's good" that technical director Demaison doesn't come from Formula 1
Williams technical director Francois-Xavier Demaison has not been active in Formula 1 in recent years - according to Jost Capito, this is not a disadvantage but a positive
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(Motorsport-Total.com) - "It was always his goal to get into Formula 1," says Williams CEO Jost Capito of Francois-Xavier "FX" Demaison. The Frenchman has been hired as the new head of technology at the traditional British racing team. A decision that came as a surprise to some given that Demaison has not worked in Formula 1 for the past few years.
Jost Capito and Francois-Xavier Demaison led VW to success in the World Rally Championship Zoom
According to Capito, however, it is "good" that the new signing does not come from the "Formula 1 ecosystem". He has previously worked with Demaison in the World Rally Championship (WRC), and together the two have won several titles for Volkswagen. He is therefore confident in the abilities of the newcomer.
"He's a brilliant engineer and he's worked for almost ten years with Willy Rampf who was previously Technical Director in Formula 1. They worked very closely together and from that there's a lot of Formula 1, technology and knowledge flowed into the WRC car," explains Capito.
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Timing not a disadvantage according to Capito
"During this time, he learned a lot from Willy Rampf. So I think he's a perfect fit for Williams," said the Williams CEO, who recently brought Rampf on board as an advisor. The 67-year-old was head of technology at Sauber for many years before leaving the premier class and moving to Volkswagen.
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Some also see the timing of Demaison's move as problematic. Because in the background, Williams (like the other teams) is already working at full speed on the new car for 2022. Isn't it difficult to get a new head of technology on board in the middle?
"It's not like he comes to fix something that doesn't work," Capito points out. Williams already has “a lot of technical experience”, which is why the department will not be completely rebuilt. Rather, Demaison should make improvements here in detail.
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Official start of work these days
"FX needs to work on refining his team and if he needs additional expertise or skills then we will do that," announces Capito, revealing, "He's a workaholic." He is sure that Demaison has already used "all his free time" to prepare and "to fully understand the rules and Formula 1."
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He won't officially start work in Grove for a few days. Capito reveals: "It should be after Easter. Since Brexit we need a visa if we come to the UK from the EU [to work]. That includes a 3-hour English test, which I also had to take and luckily passed! "
"FX passed him too," reveals Capito, adding, "So he should be able to start in the first two weeks of April."
