BAR Strengthen Technical Team

The BAR team announced today that Gary Savage will join the Brackley-based outfit as deputy technical director, a role just created.

43-year old Savage will work closely with BAR's technical director Geoff Willis, taking day-to-day responsibility for implementing and coordinating the design and testing programmes of the Honda-powered squad.

"Gary is a very highly respected engineer with a wealth of experience, not just in his specialist areas of engineering materials, particularly composites, but also of the multi-disciplinary nature of F1 engineering," said Willis.

"I have enjoyed working with him to rebuild the engineering at BAR over the last 15 months and, as we now move into a new phase for the team, his appointment gives me the opportunity to focus more on car design and working with our team partners Honda."

Willis will still be responsible for leading the design and operation of the cars, as well as the long-term technical strategy.

Savage began his Formula One career with the McLaren team, where he spent six years as research and development engineer, before moving to Arrows. In November 2002 he joined BAR, where he worked as chief composites engineer before being promoted to the new role of deputy technical director.

"This is the perfect move for me," said Savage. "The partnership Geoffrey and I have works very well, and I hope that together we can push forward the shorter and long-term development of the car. I have immense respect for Geoffrey and I'm looking forward to working with him in my new position."