Sven Smeets promoted to Volkswagen Motorsport

Although the departure of Jost Capito from his post as director of Volkswagen Motorsport had been announced since the start of the year, the name of his replacement had not yet emerged. A few hours after the first Grand Prix of F1 by Capito at McLaren, Volkswagen has confirmed the identity of the replacement for the man who led the Motorsport branch of the Wolfsburg firm to the top of the WRC.

Arrived at Volkswagen in 2012 from Citroën Racing as Team Manager then Sporting Director, Sven Smeets made a logical candidate for the position and was given the management of the Motorsport branch of Volkswagen. At 44, the former co-driver of Freddy Loix will preside over the destiny of the reigning world champion WRC team from September 1.

Other changes are also to be noted since François-Xavier Demaison, technical director, and Dr. Donatus Wichelhaus, director of engine development, will now sit on the board of directors of Volkswagen Motorsport.