Williams calls on Johnson for split-second edge

THE WILLIAMS Formula One team has called on athletics legend Michael Johnson to help improve its pit crew's efficiency. In a sport that hinges on fractions of seconds, Johnson's work with the team's mechanics and engineers is hoped to give them an edge, by examining the minutiae of individuals' movements.

Johnson, a former 200m and 400m runner with four Olympic gold medals, has been an F1 fan since 1996 and even owns one of Michael Schumacher's old helmets. He tells The Guardian he is excited by the prospect of what he can achieve with the Williams crew. “There is a tremendous amount of biomechanical movement going on in the pit stops, so it stands to reason we can make that quicker."

The crew, more used to fine tuning engines than themselves, are having their every move monitored and tweaked. "The amount of steps that it is going to take for the guy that has got that tyre and has got to put it on," says Johnson "it makes all the difference in the world which is his lead leg to how many steps he is going to take."

The crew, who are also receiving more general exercise and fitness plans, were nervous at the start but have found it useful.

Team member Ben Howard, who works the left front wheel, said: "Everybody was excited, but possibly a little bit apprehensive as well. Michael is well known and trains top-level sports people but we're not professional athletes." Howard went on: "It's been good, though, really interesting, and obviously a privilege to be working with someone of his calibre."

Williams need to see positive results. The once indomitable team finished in ninth place in last year constructors' championship. Of the five lonely points they took, four came via Rubens Barrichello, a driver Williams have since parted company with in favour of Bruno Senna nephew of the great Ayrton Senna who died in 1994 when he crashed at the San Marino Grand Prix, driving for Williams. ·