Jaguar's Oastler Announces Retirement

Jaguar Racing's chief engineer Malcolm Oastler has announced his retirement from the sport to "concentrate on setting up a rural venture with his family in his native Australia", the Formula One team said today.

Oastler, who had previously worked as BAR's chief designer and later as technical director, had joined Jaguar in 2002 as a consultant on the 2003 racing car. He also played an important role in the development and rollout of this year's R5.

Jaguar said Oastler will work his notice period and will remain with the team until mid June.

"I've had a fantastic 20-year stint playing racing cars, but I don't think it's something you should do forever," said Oastler. "As much as I love the technical aspects and the people, the lure of the southern sun and the beach have won the day. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to everyone I have had the pleasure of working with throughout my career.

"In particular, I want to express my sincere appreciation to everyone at Jaguar Racing. This was far from an easy decision for me. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Jaguar in helping to make the team competitive. My key challenge over the past year has been to ensure we produce a competitive racing car and in the Jaguar R5, I believe we have achieved that result."

Jaguar's managing director David Pitchforth added: "We are sad to see Malcolm leave given his valuable input to our programme and wish him the very best for the future. He has contributed an enormous amount to motorsport over a twenty year period with his designs having graced everything from Formula Ford to F3000, Indycar and Formula One.

"Since joining Jaguar Racing in 2002, we have benefited enormously from Malcolm's input into the R4 upgrade programme and the design and development of our 2004 challenger, Jaguar R5. His engineering experience and acumen have manifested themselves clearly in this year's racing car. I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of everyone at Jaguar Racing in wishing Malcolm all the very best of luck for the future."