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Williams Racing's Chief Technical Officer Paddy Lowe has spoke with high praise of departing Head of Vehicle Performance, Rob Smedley. Smedley has been in the position at the team since he moved to the Grove outfit after a nine year stint with Ferrari in 2014.
Smedley announced his departure from the team during the middle of the 2018 season, and former colleague Lowe has said of how he holds great affection and no regrets for Smedley, and said that their relationship together was positive both on and off the circuit.
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"It's been fantastic to work with Rob. He's a great guy, and a funny guy as well." Lowe told Autosport. It's been a real pleasure to work with him in the office and particularly on the pit wall."
"We have a really good time out there, even in the depths of poor performance. But Rob is moving on, he wanted to make some changes to his life."
Smedley started his career with Jordan, before moving to Ferrari and becoming famous for his close and comical relationship with former driver Felipe Massa, who also moved to Williams in 2014 until his retirement at the end of 2017. Williams now hope to have a better season in 2019, after very poor performance seen the team finish last with only seven points in 2018.
"We depart with a great relationship between Rob and the team, with no regrets and great affection for the time we have had with him." Lowe commented. "I need to get those things said, otherwise people will make up their own stories."
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Replies (5)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
I wonder how Williams will develop without Smedley. He's done well enough there, Im sure, yet I think Williams need renewal.
Ram Samartha
Posts: 1,172
You have to wonder how well he has really done given their track record.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
I think he has done what he could've done given a pretty tough situation. Mind, I do really think Williams need to do what McLaren currently are doing: burn away the rotten flesh to let the wounds heal so they can get going.
blade
Posts: 341
Its difficult to comment, don't know what he contributed so not fair to comment - Paddy's comments cant be taken as gospel as a seasoned politician. Like you say, the proof will be in the pudding. Aside Smedley - I genuinely hope to see W nearer the front than the back - a la Brawn.
Ram Samartha
Posts: 1,172
It makes me wonder if he said that after he said that they are making improvements in their engineering team.