08-11-2014, 23:58
Brazilian GP: McLaren's Doug McKiernan put on gardening leave
By Andrew Benson
Chief F1 writer in Sao Paulo
McLaren's head of aerodynamics Doug McKiernan has been put on 'gardening leave' ahead of leaving the team.
His departure is one of several in a restructuring programme as McLaren seek to regain competitiveness for their new engine partnership with Honda from 2015.
Part of that push is their imminent signing of Ferrari's Fernando Alonso.
McKiernan's departure follows McLaren's recruitment of former Red Bull head of aerodynamics Peter Prodromou.
Red Bull Racing Head of Aerodynamics Peter Prodromou is seen during winter testing at the Circuito De Jerez on February 11, 2010
Peter Prodromou joined McLaren as chief engineer earlier this year after a successful spell at Red Bull
Prodromou has been appointed McLaren's chief engineer and the first fruits of his joining the team earlier this year will be seen in a major upgrade to this year's car for the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in two weeks' time.
A McLaren spokesman said: "We are working extremely hard to get McLaren back to where it belongs - at the very front of the grid.
"To achieve that we have carefully reviewed everything we do and have recruited some very talented individuals.
"Now, to ensure that we do not have duplication of roles, and that we have the right people doing the right jobs, we have begun discussions with a small number of people who unfortunately do not have a role in the new structure.
"We are determined to give as much support as possible to anyone affected."
Brazilian Grand Prix qualifying results
BBC F1 coverage details
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/formula1/29973176
By Andrew Benson
Chief F1 writer in Sao Paulo
McLaren's head of aerodynamics Doug McKiernan has been put on 'gardening leave' ahead of leaving the team.
His departure is one of several in a restructuring programme as McLaren seek to regain competitiveness for their new engine partnership with Honda from 2015.
Part of that push is their imminent signing of Ferrari's Fernando Alonso.
McKiernan's departure follows McLaren's recruitment of former Red Bull head of aerodynamics Peter Prodromou.
Red Bull Racing Head of Aerodynamics Peter Prodromou is seen during winter testing at the Circuito De Jerez on February 11, 2010
Peter Prodromou joined McLaren as chief engineer earlier this year after a successful spell at Red Bull
Prodromou has been appointed McLaren's chief engineer and the first fruits of his joining the team earlier this year will be seen in a major upgrade to this year's car for the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in two weeks' time.
A McLaren spokesman said: "We are working extremely hard to get McLaren back to where it belongs - at the very front of the grid.
"To achieve that we have carefully reviewed everything we do and have recruited some very talented individuals.
"Now, to ensure that we do not have duplication of roles, and that we have the right people doing the right jobs, we have begun discussions with a small number of people who unfortunately do not have a role in the new structure.
"We are determined to give as much support as possible to anyone affected."
Brazilian Grand Prix qualifying results
BBC F1 coverage details
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/formula1/29973176
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