Shake up at Williams

Williams technical director Sam Michael and chief aerodynamicist Jon Tomlinson have resigned from the Williams team.

It would appear that the teams poor form, not just this season but in previous years has played its part in the decision to see them leave the team at the end of the 2011 World championship.

'Both Sam and Jon are talented and driven people who have worked hard for Williams over 10 and five years respectively, Nonetheless, they have recognised that the team's performance is not at the level that it needs to be and have resigned in order to give the team the opportunity to regroup and undertake the changes necessary to get back to the front of the grid.' Williams Team boss Frank Williams told Autosport Magazine following the announcement.

'Both will continue to work in their present positions through until the end of the year to ensure that the team maintains focus and momentum during the 2011 season. We are very grateful to Sam and to Jon for their professional approach.'

The first move that Williams has made is to announce that Mike Coughlan will join the team as chief engineer.

If that name rings a bell, it's because Coughlan was technical chief at McLaren back in 2007 but was forced to leave following the spy scandal.

But with his two year ban now at an end he is free to re-join the Formula One paddock.

I am looking forward to returning to a sport which I love and to joining a team that I have admired for many years. I will dedicate myself to the team and to ensuring that we return to competitiveness while respecting the ethical standards with which Williams has always been synonymous.' Coughlan added.