FIA appoint first new Race Director of 2022 F1 season

F1's governing body, the FIA, have chosen Niels Wittich to carry out Race Director duties at the 2022 season opener in Bahrain.

Wittich is one of two new Race Directors installed for 2022, along with Eduardo Freitas, following Michael Masi's removal from the position in the wake of the controversial 2021 title showdown in Abu Dhabi.

As of the new season, the pair will share responsibilities on alternating Grand Prix weekends, while also benefitting from the experience of returning advisor Herbie Blash and a new Virtual Race Control Room.

Wittich has been called up first and will take control of proceedings at the Bahrain International Circuit this weekend.

Who is new FIA Race Director Wittich?

Wittich's background as a Race Director stems mostly from Germany's DTM series and the all-electric Formula E championship, but he was already scheduled to increase his F1 involvement for 2022.

Wittich served as DTM's full-time Race Director in 2021 and was set for a move to become Deputy Race Director under Masi in F1, dovetailing his responsibilities alongside the main role in Formula 2 and Formula 3.

Wittich and Freitas will split the role across this year's 23-race calendar.