Formula One news

Force India appoints former Honda technical chief

Force India has announced that Otmar Szafnauer will move into the role of Chief Operating Officer at the team as Simon Roberts reverts to his job at McLaren. The latter returns to the Woking outfit to take a senior management role while former Honda employee Szafnauer will become responsible for the day-to-day activities at Force India.

Szafnauer has a wealth of Formula One experience having held, amongst other senior motorsport management positions, Director of Strategy and Business Planning for Honda from 2006 to 2008 and Operations Director at B.A.R from 1998 to 2001; he will now take over the direct responsibilities temporarily held by Roberts, including overseeing factory and trackside operations.

Simon Roberts returns to a full-time position at McLaren-Mercedes

Speaking about Force India's decision, Roberts said: "I am sad to leave Force India, a team which has welcomed me and is now achieving real success. I am delighted I will still remain involved in the team from the other side of the fence and look forward to providing all the support both McLaren, Mercedes and Force India require."

"Force India is a professional outfit which is now achieving competitive and highly promising results," Szafnauer added. "Simon has set a high standard to continue and I am eagerly anticipating getting stuck in to this latest challenge."

Roberts will remain in his current position until Monday 2 November; both men will attend this weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix and the final round of the F1 championship in Abu Dhabi to ensure a smooth transition period.

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