NOVEMBER 11, 2011

Michael starts with McLaren

Former Williams technical director Sam Michael is present with McLaren in Abu Dhabi as an observer.

Former Williams technical director Sam Michael is present with McLaren in Abu Dhabi as an observer, although not yet in team kit.

Michael has moved to McLaren as sporting director, a title previously held by Dave Ryan, who left the team in the fall-out over the 2009 'lie-gate' saga. He will be one of six McLaren directors reporting to managing director Jonathan Neale.

Paddy Lowe is the team's technical director, Tim Goss is engineering director, Neil Oatley its design & development director, John Cooper its commercial director and Simon Roberts its operational director.

McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh said: "Sam has been with us a few days and is here as an observer. We have made an arrangement with Williams for him to come and have a look an make an informed view about how we can make ourselves a better racing team! We think he can make us stronger and that's his challenge for next year."