Who is Jost Capito? The engineer behind the Ford Focus RS and Volkswagen Golf R

Who is Jost Capito?

Jost Capito is far more than “just” another name in engineering: he is widely regarded as one of the most influential automotive engineers of the past 30 years.

Although he built his career largely outside the public spotlight, Capito was the driving force (in other words, the person responsible) behind a number of landmark models, including the first-generation Ford Focus RS (shown in the featured image). That car also provided the foundation for the version that went on to win in the World Rally Championship.

Jost Capito’s Ford era: Focus WRC, Fiesta ST and more

Over nearly a decade at Ford, he not only played a major part in the success of the Ford Focus WRC, but also found time to contribute to the development of cars such as the Fiesta ST, SVT Raptor and Shelby GT500-alongside the already mentioned Focus RS MK1. In other words, some of the most exciting Ford models ever made (the full list is here).

Back to Volkswagen: Motorsport wins and a performance brief

Like a good son, he returns home

After leaving Ford, Jost Capito took on the role of Director of Volkswagen Motorsport in 2012, steering the German brand to three consecutive World Rally Championship titles. In 2016, he departed Volkswagen to become CEO of McLaren Racing.

And, as the saying goes, like a good son he has returned to Volkswagen once again. This time he will not be taking the helm at Volkswagen Motorsport, but instead will lead the German marque’s performance division. Which is another way of saying… the next generation of the Volkswagen Golf R will be under his watch. Good news, don’t you think?