Formula 1 race director Niels Wittich has stepped down from his role with immediate effect, the FIA has announced.
F1’s governing body said that Wittich was leaving to “pursue new opportunities”.
F2 and F3 race director Rui Marques has been named as the German’s replacement from next week’s Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Wittich has held the role since the 2022 season, a job he initially shared with Eduardo Freitas before taking sole responsibility, after Michael Masi was removed from the position following a governing body review into the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
“The FIA can confirm that Niels Wittich has stepped down from his position as F1 Race Director to pursue new opportunities,” read an FIA statement.
“Niels has fulfilled his numerous responsibilities as Race Director with professionalism and dedication. We thank him for his commitment and we wish him the best for the future.
“Rui Marques will assume the role of Race Director from the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
“Rui brings a wealth of experience having previously served as track marshal, scrutineer, national and international steward, Deputy Race Director and Race Director in various championships. Most recently, he held the position of Formula 2 and Formula 3 Race Director.”
The 52-year-old Wittich previously held the race director role in German Touring Cars.
More to follow…
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