Motor racing-Formula One appoints Nielsen as sporting director

"His appointment will strengthen the working group we are setting up to work with the FIA and the teams in defining a framework for the technical and sporting regulations for Formula One’s next phase," said Brawn in a statement on Wednesday.

"Steve’s main responsibility will be related to sporting and organisational matters, for example by attending the meetings of the Sporting Working Group."

Williams had already announced Nielsen was leaving, with former McLaren team manager Dave Redding replacing him. (Reporting by Alan Baldwin, editing by Toby Davis)