13/01/2006
NEWS STORY
BMW is boosting its aerodynamics division: in mid-March, 53-year-old Willem Toet is set to take over the reins at the department based in Hinwil, Switzerland.
BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen: "Signing up Willem Toet marks a key step in the expansion of the BMW Sauber F1 Team’s aerodynamics department at Hinwil. Willem Toet looks back on more than 20 years of Formula One experience in this field and will find in Hinwil a first-rate wind tunnel and exceptional computer facilities. He will support us in the further expansion of the department’s staff and will provide input for the design of the car for season 2007."
Toet said of his new assignment: "I’m really looking forward to the job. Any development phase is by nature very intensive and affords a lot of opportunities. I will be doing my utmost to help the BMW Sauber F1 Team on the road to success."
Willem Toet was born in Amsterdam on 29th March 1952. He grew up in Australia where, after completing his degree, he began his professional path with the Ford Motor Company. From 1977 he focused his career exclusively on motor racing, initially working on touring cars, Formula 2 and Formula Ford racers. In 1982 he moved to England to work for the sports car racing team of Ray Mallock.
1985 marked the start of his Formula One career with the then Toleman Team, later to become Benetton. At the end of 1994 he joined Ferrari and spent four years in Italy as their aerodynamics chief. He returned to England in 1999 to become senior aerodynamicist at British American Racing (now Honda Racing).