- McLaren
Dennis replaces Whitmarsh at McLaren
Ron Dennis has been re-appointed chief executive of the McLaren Group, a role previously held by Martin Whitmarsh, a move that raises questions as to the future of Whitmarsh in the new set-up.
The development is significant as Dennis says he has been tasked with "improving our on-track and off-track performance" and says the whole of McLaren will be reviewed over the coming weeks. There is no mention of how the change affects Whitmarsh, with the appointment coming on the back of McLaren's first season without a podium in Formula One since 1980.
Dennis said he is "excited" to return to the role and added that the structure at McLaren will change next month.
"My fellow shareholders have mandated me to write an exciting new chapter in the story of McLaren, beginning by improving our on-track and off-track performance," Dennis said. "Over the coming weeks I intend to undertake a thorough and objective review of each of our businesses with the intention of optimising every aspect of our existing operations, whilst identifying new areas of growth that capitalise on our technologies, and where appropriate further investing in them.
"{I will be] working with my many colleagues and fellow shareholders to fulfil our objective - which is to win at whatever we do."
It is unlikely Dennis will want to resume the day-to-day operation of the team and so there is already speculation as to who he might bring in to take on that role. Within minutes of the announcement Ross Brawn's name was being touted.
Brawn left Mercedes in 2013 and so is free, and what is more he has good connections with Honda, who will be McLaren's engine partner from 2015.
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