Ford performance-vehicles boss jumps to Volkswagen position

Jost Capito, Ford's global performance-vehicles and motorsports chief, is jumping to Volkswagen to run the German automaker's motorsports operations.

Ford is in the process of launching high-performance versions of some of its newest cars, including the Focus ST. The company also has a version of the Fiesta ST as a concept.

Capito, 53, worked at Ford since 2001. He rose to prominence directing Ford's European racing, particularly in the World Rally Championship, and with the development of the Ford Focus RS performance car. He was moved to Ford's headquarters in suburban Detroit in early 2009 and added the North American Special Vehicles Team (SVT) unit to his duties, along with the European TeamRS.

Prior to joining Ford, Capito worked as a racing engineering and manager for BMW and Porsche. He also was chief operating officer of the Sauber Red Bull Formula One team from 1998 to 2001.

At Volkswagen, Capito replaces Kris Nissen, 51, who has been director of the automaker's motorsports group since 2003. Volkswagen said that Nissen will become an advisor to the company.

Capito's move is significant as Volkswagen prepares to field a Polo R factory entry in the World Rally Championship in 2013.

Ford has not yet said who will take over Capito's duties. "We thank Jost Capito for his contributions on the company's performance vehicles and motorsports plan. We wish him well as he begins a new chapter in his career," a Ford spokesman said.

According to Ford's biography of Capito, he participated in endurance motorcycle racing and motocross in his late teens. He also competed in the Paris-Dakar Rally across the Sahara Desert, winning the truck category in 1985.

By Dale Jewett