Rahal: Time to move on from Newey saga

Rahal told Jaguar Racing's website that he felt it was time to draw a line under the episode of Newey's aborted deal to join the Coventry marque. Newey had agreed to join the Big Cat in a big money deal, but then changed his mind and decided to stay at McLaren.

Jaguar dropped all claims on Newey's services after coming to what it described as an 'amicable solution' with McLaren in the High Court in London last Wednesday.

"I suppose this is also a good opportunity to sign-off the Adrian Newey saga once and for all," said Rahal. "Let's close this chapter here and now by saying that Adrian was just an addition, value added, not an exchange for anybody at Jaguar Racing. The guys know that I am very pleased with what's going on with our aerodynamics and that what we are doing is beginning to bear fruit."

The American also said that he's happy with the progress made so far this season, which included Jaguar's first podium finish thanks to Eddie Irvine in Monaco.

"People must not forget what we said at the beginning of the season in that this is our year of consolidation and getting the house in order," he added. "This is exactly what we are doing and, while I admit to having some way to go, people must also appreciate that we are only just half way through the season.

"Our partnership with Michelin is reaping rewards and, combined with our on-going development on aerodynamics, we're now better placed than ever to challenge our rivals at the front of the midfield."