Formula 1: McLaren deny Newey Jag move

McLaren have denied that technical director Adrian Newey is joining Jaguar.

Jaguar announced on their web site that Newey would be joining them as chief technical officer from August next year.

But McLaren released a brief statement insisting Newey would stay with Ron Dennis' team.

The statement simply read: "McLaren International and Adrian Newey wish to confirm that he will continue with the team beyond the term of his existing contract.

"A fuller statement will follow later today."

Jaguar's team principal Bobby Rahal had earlier waxed lyrical about former Williams mastermind Newey joining his Ford-backed outfit.

He said: "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.

"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.

"I have always said that we needed the best people to take us into championship contention and you don't get any better than Adrian Newey."

Newey himself was quoted as saying: "This has not been an easy decision for me to make.

"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.

"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.

"In the meantime I have a job to do and I will continue to be fully committed to McLaren in our bid to win races and the world championship."