Grapevine: Watson Turned Down Jaguar Role

Former Formula One driver John Watson has turned down the chance to front the Jaguar Racing team after being offered the chance to take over at the helm.

The Ulsterman, who competed for Brabham, Penske, Surtees, Lotus and McLaren during his career, revealed he has been approached by Tony Purnell - the head of Ford's Premier Performance Division - about the role of Sporting Director of Jaguar Racing but turned down the role.

"I was flattered to even be considered for such a position but I've decided it is not the role for me," Watson told the Belfast Telegraph. "I had a couple of meetings with Tony Purnell and other senior members of the new Jaguar set-up and they outlined a wide-ranging and exciting concept.

"But I felt the terms and conditions of the job were not appropriate for me."

Watson, who was third in the World Championship behind Keke Rosberg and Didier Pironi in 1982, has commentated on the sport throughout the last decade. Martin Brundle also turned down the job, which was created following the sacking of Niki Lauda last year.