JANUARY 14, 2016

McLaren signs VW's Capito

McLaren has signed up Volkswagen's motor racing chief Jost Capito.

McLaren has signed up Volkswagen's motor racing chief Jost Capito.

The Woking based team said on Thursday that German Capito, who has headed Volkswagen's racing programmes since 2011, will be McLaren Racing's new CEO.

Eric Boullier's position of racing director "will remain unchanged", McLaren added.

"From a motor sport perspective he (Capito) has experience in not only the world rally championship but also sports cars, touring cars, motorcycle racing and formula one, about which he is hugely knowledgeable and infectiously passionate," said McLaren supremo Ron Dennis.

McLaren said the timing of Capito's arrival at McLaren will be made "in agreement" with VW.

A report on the world rally championship's official website said Capito will stay at Volkswagen "until his successor is appointed".

Germany's Auto Motor und Sport reported rumours that Volkswagen, rocked by last year's emissions scandal, could quit rallying.

(GMM)