The Williams F1 team today announced that it has hired extra staff to strengthen its aerodynamics department for the 2014 season.

The new arrivals are Dave Wheater who came from Lotus to now take on the role of become Head of Aerodynamic Performance, reporting to existing Head of Aerodynamics Jason Somerville. Williams had originally aimed to hire Dirk de Beer, who opted to join Ferrari instead. Wheater was de Beer's deputy at Lotus.

Joining him will be Shaun Whitehead, who previously worked at Red Bull. He is taking on the position of Head of Aerodynamic Process. Somerville described the duo as "first class talents."

Jason Somerville said: “I'm very pleased to have secured the first class talents of Dave and Shaun, both of whom have enviable track records within F1. With the exciting challenges ahead for 2014, I am confident they will both add strength and experience to the team here at Grove.”

"These two appointments show our commitment to both improving the process of aerodynamic development while focusing on the application of that development to true on-track performance," added the team's chief technical officer Pat Symonds.

"Dave and Shaun bring a wealth of experience to our team and I welcome them both to Grove and fully expect them to make significant contributions to the renewed competitiveness that we are all working so hard to achieve.

"With Dave and Shaun on board, and under Jason's stewardship, we will be well positioned to make gains in this important area and support the continuing task of developing the FW36 in what promises to be an exciting year for the sport in 2014."