May 07, 2011
Published on tags: Superleague
In a radical reshuffle of the team, European Williamson Dynamics have today announced that Dutch Stalwart Roy Wachtmeester will be released from his Superleague Test contract to focus on work in other areas of the team. Somewhat more shocking was the follow up announcement that Young German, Tim-Oliver Wagner is to be out of action for an indeterminate period due to external technical issues which saw team-mate Ojay Clark, who secured a best ever finish of 4th in Kyalami, running solo in South Africa.

While the team's spokesman did confirm that Wagner is expected to return to action once these issues are resolved, he was keen to stress that this reshuffle was in the best interests of all concerned. "We do expect to see Tim return to action, but in the meantime we cannot afford to become complacent after such a strong start to our season. I am happy to confirm that we have already made arrangements for our first full crew and equipment shipment for a four chassis test session since the opening tests, we plan a strong showing at the next pre-season tests and for the remainder of the season."

The team went on the elaborate that negotiations were currently ongoing with the GPVWC administration in regard to the legality of phasing drivers in and out during the season. Presuming the team's plans fall outside the rules, the regulations could prove a stumbling block in returning Wagner to full time racing.

"The hope is that this will not be an issue, however all in the team, including Tim know this is a big make or break season for us and so far, we're delivering. we cannot afford to have only one car running at races, it's just unthinkable, and we need the testing data from all four chassis to maximize our development strategy for the season."

Williamson Dynamics have confirmed that the team's director of race engineering, Tom Eley - a respected and successful driver with a strong reputation will be stepping into the car from the next round of the championship. Scotsman Mark Hill, younger brother of upcoming WDGP driver Stephen Hill, is confirmed as the replacement for the outgoing Wachtmeester.

However, the reshuffling may not end there. The team also confirmed that talks are ongoing with Adam Smith, a driver who commands a large amount of respect internally, which would free the young driver up to focus on his Supercup campaign and burdgeoning commentating career. "In the pre-season we already discussed the one driver to one job role, to allow for focus in the team. Adam will have the final call on any decision but we are broaching the idea of bringing in another tester to let him focus on the Supercup."

Smith's Supercup contract for 2012 was verbally agreed at the end of the last season, which ensures the Brit his Supercup race seat in the next season should he choose to retain it. Smith's current Supercup partner is Sam Millar, in his second full season with Williamson Dynamics. Millar has proven to be a valuable asset to the squad and a consistently strong performer, however, rumours pervade in the paddock that the Scot will be looking to pastures new in 2012 with Williamson Dynamics confirming Millar's contract is due to end at the conclusion of this campaign.

A number of names are being linked with both the potentially free Superleague test seat and the possible vacancy partnering Smith. In what has been a hectic few weeks for the Berlin based squad, the team have also announced a planned return to the endurance circuit as well as considerations on GT, Indycar and DTM entries in 2012.

"We have the resources and technical capability, it's a great way to develop drivers and keep them interested and it increases our exposure and fanbase. we've found expanding into one series too deeply causes the team to collapse, but careful expansion across the series and leagues is healthy and required if we are to rebuild ourselves. I think this is as possible as it is vital." stated Team Principal, Ben Williamson.