McLaren reshuffles its design department

Renowned boffin Adrian Newey will continue to head-up the team, which features longtime McLaren employee Neil Oatley as executive director of engineering, Coughlan as chief designer and another newcomer John Sutton as principal designer, who will be specifically responsible for rear-end integration.

"McLaren aims to have the best technical team available to compete at the highest levels and I believe that the combination of Neil and Mike will prove extremely strong," said McLaren's managing director Martin Whitmarsh. "Neil and Mike are looking forward to working together and hold each other in great mutual respect. Neil's contribution to the company for the past 15 years has been exceptional and as Mike's personality and skills are complimentary to those of Neil I have no doubt that the results of their co-operation will be excellent. John, who will be working closely with Mike, will further strengthen our technical team."

Oatley said: "I have known Mike for some time and look forward to welcoming him to the team and co-operating on a professional level. I'm excited about the opportunities this partnership will offer both to us and the development of the West McLaren Mercedes team."

Coughlan, who will join the team on September 2, added: "Obviously I look forward to the challenges ahead. Everyone that I have met at McLaren has a great determination and a strong will to win. There is no doubt that I will enjoy working with Neil and the rest of the technical team."