Stewart steps down due to illness

According to a press release issued on behalf of Jaguar Racing, Stewart's cancer is treatable and he is undergoing chemotherapy at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.

His father Jackie Stewart said: "Paul's recovery is the single most important thing in the life of the Stewart family.

"He is in the best possible hands at the Mayo Clinic.

"His mother and I, as well as his brother Mark, and Paul's wife Victoria, have complete confidence in his professors and doctors and they are optimistic that Paul will, through treatment, be able to overcome this illness and continue to live life to the full."

He is expected to retain his position as an executive director of the British team and will review the situation with Jaguar Racing's parent, the Ford motor company, when his treatment is completed.

President and chief executive officer of Ford, Jac Nasser said: "I was very upset to hear of Paul's illness but I am reassured that he is receiving the best possible treatment and care.

"All of us at the Ford motor company extend our best wishes and look forward to him making a full recovery. He has and will continue to make a great contribution to Jaguar Racing."

Chairman of Jaguar Racing, Neil Ressler, said: "Paul is a very important part of the management of Jaguar Racing but we understand his involvement must reduce while he concentrates on recovering from his illness and we will now restructure our team accordingly.

"We are heartened by the fact that Paul will continue to be on the board. We wish him a successful recovery."