It's understood that McLaren chief aerodynamicist, Peter Prodromou, is to leave the Woking team and follow former technical director, Adrian Newey, to Red Bull.

There had been speculation about the move for some time, in addition to repeated rumours that vehicles director, Nicolas Tombazis, is returning to Ferrari, but these have been dismissed by the 8-time Constructors' Championship winners.

Earlier this week, McLaren CEO, Martin Whitmarsh, denied the rumours, however, the team has now issued a statement re Prodromou, stating that he is leaving but at the end of the 2006 season.

"It has been agreed by Red Bull Racing and Peter Prodromou that Peter would join the team as chief aerodynamicist later this year when his contract expires with McLaren-Mercedes," read the statement.

It remains to be seen whether there is any truth in the Tombazis rumour, though paddock insiders are already speculating over how the loss of such high-profile, and successful, men will impact the team. Furthermore, the moves are causing people to look at Red Bull a little more seriously.