Jordan confirms tech boss

Smith joins the team from Renault, where he has worked as joint chief designer on the French car manufacturer's recent front-running cars. He had previously worked at Jordan from its F1 entry in 1991 until he left to join the then Benetton team in 2001.

Speaking about the coup in landing Smith, Jordan said: "I am so glad that Mark is back at Jordan. His work played a major part in our best performing cars over the years and in my opinion he has been instrumental in the recent turnaround in performance at his last team.

"His return to us as Technical Director, along with the recent deal securing Toyota engines for Jordan in 2005, means we have every reason to be optimistic about an improvement in competitive performance next year."

Smith's previous spell with Jordan marked the most successful of the team's history in Formula 1 - including that famous 1999 season when the Silverstone-based outfit was in contention for the world championship until near the end of the season.

"Returning to Jordan has two main facets for me," said Smith. "Firstly, the motivating factor is of course to play a key role in moving the team towards the front of the F1 grid. This will be neither easy nor instant but it is a challenge that I relish.

"Secondly, this team represents something a little special for me since I was fortunate to have the opportunity of being one of the three designers of the first Jordan F1 car, the 191. I am looking forward to playing a part in what I personally regard as the next Jordan generation."