BAR reshuffles after Willis appointment.

British American Racing has confirmed that Williams' chief aerodynamicist Geoff Willis will be making his way to Brackley next season, but only after designer Malcolm Oastler has moved to a new post within the team.

Oastler, the man behind each of BAR's three grand prix cars to date, announced last night that Willis - one half of the design pairing that created the race-winning FW23 - would slot into his new team as technical director.

"As technical director, Geoff will be responsible for the car's aerodynamics and vehicle dynamics programmes," Oastler confirmed, "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."

Oastler continued to point out that his previous role has involved so many functions that he had been unable to concentrate on any one sufficiently to ensure the best for the team.

"I have been conscious for some time that the job I have been trying to do here is too much for one person - even me!" he stressed, "At the same time, we have been missing the senior technical experience that can only come from teams at the top of the championship. Geoff fits the bill perfectly, and I am delighted that he has agreed to join us."

Willis joins BAR having tasted success for the first time with major input at Williams. Along with Gavin Fisher, he helped fashion the BMW-powered FW23 which took four wins in the 2001 campaign with Ralf Schumacher and F1 rookie Juan Montoya. However, although Williams announced last night that it had agreed a new long-term deal with Fisher, Willis decided that BAR could offer him a step up in responsibility.

"I see this as a major opportunity," he explained, "British American Racing Honda is a young team open to new ideas and which 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 in moving the team up the grid."

Willis' arrival at BAR was also hailed as a minor triumph by BAR founder and MD Craig Pollock.

"I think Malcolm has made a great appointment," he said, "With Geoff's arrival, I believe that we will have a technical team second to none in Formula One."

Unfortunately for BAR, Willis will not take up his position with the team until March, too late to have much input into the design of the 004, which is scheduled for launch before Christmas 2001.