15/10/2009
NEWS STORY
Force India chairman and team principal Dr Vijay Mallya has confirmed that Otmar Szafnauer (right) has been appointed to the position of Force India chief operating officer. He will take over the role from Simon Roberts, who has now completed his one year secondment from McLaren Applied Technologies.
Szafnauer has a wealth of Formula One experience having held, amongst other senior motorsport management positions, director of strategy and business planning for Honda Racing F1 Team from 2006 - 2008 and operations director at British American Racing from 1998 - 2001. He will now take over Roberts direct responsibilities, including overseeing factory and trackside operations and will ensure maximum productivity from all Force India in-house departments. Furthermore he will liaise with McLaren Applied Technologies and Mercedes-Benz High Performance Engines to strengthen the existing relationship.
Roberts will return to McLaren Applied Technologies to take up a senior management role and will continue his involvement with Force India from the other side of the partnership.
"Otmar was selected by myself in full consultation with McLaren to replace Simon, who has now completed his secondment with Force India," said Mallya. "We are sad to see Simon go as he has been a crucial linchpin in the transition to the McLaren and Mercedes drivetrain and his dedication and professional stewardship has led the team to achieving its first-ever podium in F1. However he was always on secondment and we knew we would have to let him return to the McLaren fold. We are confident that Otmar, with his wealth of F1 experience, will be a worthy successor and will continue the strong upward trend we have seen in the last half of the season."
"I am sad to leave Force India," said Roberts, "a team that has welcomed me and is now achieving real success. I am delighted I will still remain involved in the team from the other side of the fence and look forward to providing all the support both McLaren, Mercedes and Force India require.'
Otmar Szafnauer said, 'Force India is a professional outfit that is now achieving competitive and highly promising results. Simon has set a high standard to continue and I am eagerly anticipating getting stuck in to this latest challenge."
Simon will remain in his current position until 2 November. Both Simon and Otmar will attend the Brazilian and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix to ensure a smooth transition period.