Jaguar adds another string to its bow

Steiner's role will be similar to that of Jean Todt at Ferrari, in that he will plot the team's overall strategy and bring the various engineering elements of the team together. He has been chosen for both his management and engineering skills.

The Italian will act as right-hand man to Niki Lauda, who will retain his role as team principal. Steiner is the man who masterminded the Ford Focus rally programme from start to finish with Malcolm Wilson's M-Sport concern.

"Guenther will bring a new technical perspective to our team," said Lauda. "His experience at the highest levels of motorsport, together with his engineering skills, will add a new dimension to Jaguar Racing as we continue laying down the building blocks for the future."

Steiner said: "The move from Ford's World Rally Team to Jaguar Racing offered the perfect transition for me. The team's on-track success is as much dependent on the organisational factors as it is on the technical element.

"I will focus on both of these areas. My goal will be to generate the same synergy throughout the Jaguar Racing squad that has taken Ford to the forefront of rallying," he added.