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Martin Whitmarsh appointed CEO of Ben Ainslie Racing
Former McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh has joined forces with old colleague Adrian Newey after being appointed CEO of Ben Ainslie Racing to spearhead its hopes of winning sailing's America's Cup.
Whitmarsh was ousted as team boss last January when Ron Dennis took control of the team again, officially leaving the Woking outfit in August. After over a year out of the limelight, Whitmarsh has been appointed by four-time Olympic gold medallist Ainslie as he aims to bring sailing's most prestigious trophy back to Britain for the first time.
In his first interview since his departure Whitmarsh said he feels rejuvenated by his year away from Formula One.
"It has been good for my soul," Whitmarsh told the Telegraph. "I mean, you're the first journalist I have spoken to in 12 months. I've been travelling. I've been able to spend more time with my kids who are grown up now. My son is a music photographer so I've helped him set up a bit. I've been out to visit my daughter in Uganda and Rwanda and Borneo, and see what she is doing. I feel quite energised by it all.
"Formula One is a sport that can take over your life, it can consume you. And I think it got pretty close to doing that with me. But I know I'm a lucky, lucky man. I had an amazing 25 years and never have to work again if I don't want to. Whatever I do now should be because I want to do something fresh."
He is the second F1 name to join the BAR team after Newey and Red Bull Advanced Technology (RBAT) joined the project in December. Whitmarsh and Newey worked together at McLaren between 1997 and 2006 but said it was a visit from Ainslie himself which was key.
"Ben came to see me at my house a couple of weeks ago and it was an easy sell. There were no negotiations. Frankly, within minutes of talking to Ben I knew I wanted to do it. I rang him the next morning to accept."
© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
