Williams technical director Sam Michael and chief aerodynamicist Jon Tomlinson are to leave the team at the end of the season.
A statement said that both men had resigned but, in an unusual move, would stay on until the end of the year.
That gives Williams time to find replacements (in addition to Mike Coughlan, see next story) and also in effect stops either man from joining another team in the short term, and thus contributing to its 2012 car.
Frank Williams said: “Both Sam and Jon are talented and driven people who have worked hard for Williams over 10 and five years respectively. Nonetheless, they have recognised that the team’s performance is not at the level that it needs to be and have resigned in order to give the team the opportunity to regroup and undertake the changes necessary to get back to the front of the grid.
“Both will continue to work in their present positions through until the end of the year to ensure that the team maintains focus and momentum during the 2011 season. We are very grateful to Sam and to Jon for their professional approach.”
Adam Cooper F1 
Very surprising news indeed, and rather unexpected. I wonder if the stock market flotation is changing things for Williams a little – making instant results and longer-term shareholder confidence now priorities, too? I noted the share price fall last week: it’ll be fascinating to see what this news has on it.
Williams decline has gone hand in hand with Sam Michael’s technical stewardship. Can’t be a coincidence…
FW should have look at his drivers first — anyway, don’t see any progress for them during the next seasons.