JANUARY 4, 2001

Jordan designer Smith quits for Benetton

CHIEF DESIGNER Mark Smith has quit Jordan to join Benetton just two months before the start of the new Formula One season, it was revealed on Thursday.

Smith, who has been with the Silverstone-based team since their introduction into the sport 10 years ago, follows former Jordan technical director Mike Gascoyne to Benetton.

"Mark has been at Jordan for 10 years since the team began," a Jordan spokesperson said. "It is a big loss for us, there is no doubt about it."

Smith, who recently completed work on Jordan's E11 chassis, which will be unveiled at the team's headquarters on January 16, will continue to work under Gascoyne at Benetton in the same capacity as he did at Jordan.