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Haug set to leave Mercedes

Norbert Haug has been head of Mercedes-Benz motorsport for 22 years © Sutton Images

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Norbert Haug will leave Mercedes-Benz at the end of 2012 after more than 22 years in the role of head of motorsport.

Haug has been the head of motorsport since 1990, working across Formula One, DTM, Champ Car, GT, Group C and Formula 3, and helped oversee the return of Mercedes to Formula One as a constructor in 2010. However, the team has won only one race since then, and it has now been announced that he will leave the company "by mutual agreement".

Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars and CEO of Daimler AG, paid tribute to Haug for his "extraordinary commitment" to the company.

"Norbert Haug was the face of the Mercedes-Benz Motorsport programme for more than 20 years." Zetsche said. "For me, he put his stamp on a whole era and, as a highlight, he was responsible for the successful comeback of the Silver Arrows to Formula One. In the name of the Board of Management and the whole motorsport family, I would like to thank Norbert for his extraordinary commitment to the three-pointed star."

Haug himself said that while he was disappointed with the achievements of Mercedes since it returned to Formula One, he believes the team is well positioned for success in the future.

"I would like to thank the best car company in the world for more than 22 years, which never had a single moment without passion for me," Haug said. "I particularly wish to thank the Board for the trust and freedom they have always given me with all my activities. Since 1991, we had tremendous achievements and wins, for which I want to thank all of my colleagues. Unfortunately, with one victory in 2012 since founding our own Formula One works team in 2010, we couldn't fulfil our own expectations. However, we have taken the right steps to be successful in the future. Our team and our drivers will do everything to achieve these goals."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.