Olympic champion Michael Johnson is to work with Williams as the faltering Formula One team look to rediscover the form that made them one of the most successful names in Grand Prix racing.

The experience and biomechanics expertise of the MJP staff can also benefit Williams’ pit crew in their goal to cut hundredths and even tenths of a second from their pit stop times- Michael Johnson

Michael Johnson Performance Inc, a company founded by the three-times Olympic gold medallist will provide a training programme for the team’s pit crew as well as look at Williams’ overall training set-up.

Williams principal Sir Frank Williams believes his team will benefit from this partnership.

“I had the privilege of first meeting Michael at the Belgian Grand Prix in the late 1990s,” Williams said in a statement.

“I have always admired the dedication required to be an Olympic champion. The attention to detail and the commitment required is what sets these extraordinary individuals apart from the rest of us.

“When Michael and I met again recently he explained how he had established a company that specialised in improving athletic performance.

“I was keen to learn how he could help our team as there seemed to be a lot of areas of common interest.

“Formula One is about all aspects of the race. We all know how crucial the brief time the car spends in the pits can be.”

Johnson added: “I am confident the experience and biomechanics expertise of the MJP staff that has benefited numerous American football athletes, Premier League football teams, and Olympic federations, can also benefit Williams’ pit crew in their goal to cut hundredths and even tenths of a second from their pit stop times.”