NOVEMBER 26, 2002

Purnell takes over Jaguar!

As exclusively revealed by Grandprix.com, Tony Purnell has been named as the new boss of Jaguar Racing.

Three-times world champion Niki Lauda has been sacked as team principal of the Jaguar Racing team. He is to be replaced by PI Research boss Tony Purnell. Lauda was in charge of the team for less than two years, during which time he ousted Bobby Rahal but when Lauda's chief supporter Wolfgang Reitzle left Ford, Lauda was exposed and his handling of the deal between Jordan and Ford upset many in Detroit.

Purnell is the founder and chief executive of PI Research. He will be in charge of the Premier Performance Group but there is likely to be a new team principal for Jaguar Racing as well.