Team Lotus confirms ex-McLaren aero man John Iley will join in 2012

Iley, who has most recently been with McLaren, has worked with Lotus's technical chief Mike Gascoyne earlier in his career at both Jordan and Renault.

Riad Asmat, Team Lotus CEO, said: "We are absolutely delighted that John has taken up the challenge we have offered him, to help take us to the next level on and off track in one of the key areas of performance in Formula 1.

"It is a real sign of our growth and development as a serious contender for long-term honours that we can attract someone of John's calibre and we are all very excited about the contribution he will make to our future success from the moment he starts work with our team."

Due to his contractual situation with McLaren, Iley will not be able to join Team Lotus until June 2012, by which time it will be known as Caterham.

McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh said: "John greatly contributed to the aerodynamic capability at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes but has taken the decision to accept an offer from Caterham F1 team for 2012 and beyond. We enjoyed working with John and wish him well for the future."