Manor F1 team hires ex-McLaren man Dave Ryan as racing director

The announcement comes one day after Graeme Lowdon discussed his departure from the F1 squad, and with the confirmation team principal John Booth will also leave following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Ryan spent three decades with McLaren, before splitting with the team in April 2009, amid an FIA investigation about Lewis Hamilton lying to Australian Grand Prix stewards.

He has since run the VonRyan Racing squad in the Blancpain and British GT series.

"I'm very excited to be joining the Manor Marussia F1 team at a pivotal time in its development," Ryan said.

"Having spent time with [owner] Stephen [Fitzpatrick], and understood his vision for the future, it is clear he has ensured there is a strong platform from which the team can make big steps forward in the seasons ahead.

"Manor has all the hallmarks of a fiercely competitive racing team, but having grown up in a much more contemporary Formula 1 era, it is a very lean operation with a collaborative culture, which leaves it well placed to contend with the sport's future direction.

"There is clearly a big challenge ahead and a lot of work to do, but I can't wait to meet the wider team and get down to business."

Fitzpatrick confirmed Booth's impending departure, and said Ryan's experience will complement the team's new 2016 deals with Mercedes and Williams.

"Along with our new Mercedes Benz power unit, technical partnership with Williams and recent additions to the design and technical team, Dave's arrival is another important step towards our goal of creating a truly competitive racing team," he said.

"I am also able to confirm that John Booth and Graeme Lowdon will be leaving the team at the end of the current season.

"I have the utmost respect for them as individuals and for all they have achieved, both with this team and in their long careers in motorsport, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their hard work and dedication during this season in particular.

"Like every great story, there comes a time to start a new chapter."