DECEMBER 1, 2000

Technical bloodbath at Jaguar

JAGUAR RACING has announced a major restructuring of its technical departments with technical director Gary Anderson and chief engineer Andy Le Fleming among those who are leaving with immediate effect. Anderson's place will be taken by American Steve Nichols who has been working at McLaren for the last five year.

Rumours that Jaguar was taking on an American engineer with experience at McLaren and Ferrari had led to stories that the job might go to Gordon Kimball but he does not seem to be involved in the reshuffle.

Also leaving are engineers Rob Gearing, Gerry Hughes, Andy Rice and Dave Rendall.

The design team of the 2001 car, under chief designer John Russell is already well-advanced and should not be affected too much by the changes of management. Russell is being aided in the development of the new car by the team's nea head of aerodynamics Mark Handford.

Further management changes are expected at Jaguar within a matter of days with Ferrari's Nigel Stepney expected to be named to a major new management role.