JULY 24, 2012

More influential role forToto Wolff at Williams

The 40-year-old Austrian has stepped up from a non-excutive role to Executive Director of Williams Grand Prix Holdings and will "assist and support" Frank Williams as team principal.

The 40-year-old Austrian has stepped up from a non-excutive role to Executive Director of Williams Grand Prix Holdings and will assist and support Frank Williams as team principal.

Wolff, who is understood to be a 16% shareholder in the team, has taken a more influential role working closely with Sir Frank ever since Adam Parr, very much believed to be the chosen one to take the team into the future, suddenly and surprisingly moved on at the beginning of the year.

Parr's exit came just a few weeks after Bernie Ecclestone, commenting on recent changes at Williams, said: "I don't think they've done it the right way. The changes should have come from above, not below. I think people like Toto Wolff should get more control."

Wolff's wife Susie (nee Stoddart) is a Williamns development driver and he also manages highly-rated team reserve driver Valtteri Bottas, alongside Mika Hakkinen.

"Toto's new role, working alongside myself," said Sir Frank Williams, "is about Williams looking forward and managing the successful running of the company. I am looking forward to our new working relationship and have every belief that this partnership will help take Williams F1 from strength to strength."

Wolff, said: "It's a great honour for me to be assisting and supporting Sir Frank in his role of team principal at Williams. I've been a shareholder in the business since 2009 and I am really looking forward to being able to take my responsibilities to a new level. I know that together we will work tirelessly to make the Group and team as successful as it can be."

Wolff, an investor, was successful in the internet and technology spheres before diversifying into industrial interests, one of which includes the German HWA company, which is behind the Mercedes DTM programme.