Rahal denies chasing Newey for Jaguar

Newey, widely regarded as the best designer in Formula 1, is a personal friend of Rahal, but the American says there are more pressing problems to tackle than chasing the McLaren boffin.

"One person does not make a team," said Rahal. "This is going to take a tremendous effort across the whole company to create the success that we all want.

"Adrian is a personal friend of mine and every time I come to England I go to see him. He is a good guy, but I don't think one man can do everything. I think we have got more important issues right now."

Rahal, who continues in his role as acting CART boss until November, was an interested observer at the United States Grand Prix and he will also attend the season-ending races in Japan and Malaysia. He officially begins his role with the Milton Keynes-based team on December 1st.

"It's good to start gaining a sense of what it is all about," he said. "It is too early to talk about things that need changes, but I am sure there are issues at the track as well as at the factory."

The triple CART champion's appointment at the struggling team has received the backing of Jackie Stewart and lead driver Eddie Irvine.

"Bobby is a good choice, because F1 is far too incestuous," said Stewart. "He will be very useful for access to the Ford Motor Company, not just for money but also in the decision-making process."

Irvine said: "I think Bobby can bring Jaguar things. He's a personable character, which is what motivates people."