Formula 1: Newey quits McLaren to join Jaguar

Jaguar have announced that Adrian Newey will be joining the Milton Keynes-based outfit as their new chief technical officer.

Newey, who has enjoyed enormous success as technical director at McLaren, will join Jaguar from August 2002.

Jaguar's chief operating officer and team principal, Bobby Rahal, is delighted at having his long-standing friend and former race engineer coming to join him.

"I'm thrilled at the prospect of having Adrian on board in what promises to be a very exciting period for Jaguar in Formula One," Rahal said.

"We go back many years to our days together in Indy Cars and our friendship has certainly played a key role in making this happen.

"Design teams led by Adrian have created six of the Formula One cars that have won the Constructors' and the Drivers' World Championship in the last nine years with an average win rate of 50%.

"His influence has dominated the last decade of the first century of motor racing and this new chapter with Jaguar Racing will provide Adrian with an opportunity to take one of the most emotive names in motor racing to the status of Formula One World Champions."

Newey admitted that the decision to leave McLaren was not an easy one to make, his four years with the Woking team being both productive and enjoyable.

Newey has also pledged his support to McLaren until the end of his current contract.

"This has not been an easy decision for me to make," said Newey.

"I have enjoyed hugely my four years to date at McLaren and take great satisfaction from the success that we as a team have achieved.

"Moreover, this success has been combined with forming many lasting friendships within the team especially with Ron (Dennis) and Martin (Whitmarsh).

"But in the end the prospect of working once again with my close friend, Bobby, whom I have known since 1984 at March Racing, combined with the prospect of the exciting challenge that Jaguar Racing offers, proved irresistible."