Williams has appointed former Toro Rosso Team Manager Steve Nielsen to the position of Sporting Manager with immediate effect.

In this role Nielsen will be responsible for the overall management and operation of the Williams race team specifically relating to sporting matters and ensuring the compliance and implementation of these directives within the team.

He joins Williams from Toro Rosso, his previous roles over the course of his 27 years in Formula One include positions as Team Manager at Tyrrell, Honda and Arrows, and Sporting Director at Benetton/Renault and Caterham.

"I'm delighted to be joining a team of Williams' history and stature in what is a very exciting time for everyone at Grove after a very impressive 2014 season," said Nielsen. "In this role I will be able to help ensure that our operations at the race track are maintaining the highest standards and that we are maximising our performance at the race track from a sporting perspective. Williams' has a very talented team of people and I'm looking forward to working with them."

"Steve brings a wealth of experience of the sporting side of Formula One and will help us as a team as we aim to climb further up the Championship table," added Pat Symonds, the Grove outfit's Chief Technical Officer. "He has won World Championships in the past and knows what needs to be done on a sporting level for Williams to do this again. We have a talented and ever improving race team and with Steve on board we are well placed to make further operational gains next season."