Manor has hired former McLaren sporting director Dave Ryan to be its racing director and confirmed team chiefs John Booth and Graeme Lowdon will leave at the end of the year.
Ryan has 34 years’ experience in Formula One but left under a cloud in 2009 when he was suspended by McLaren when he and Lewis Hamilton were found to have lied to stewards over an investigation for a racing incident in the Australian Grand Prix.
Manor said Ryan, who has been running his own team in sportscar racing since then, has joined them “with immediate effect” and fills a new position within the team. The announcement came one day after CEO Graeme Lowdon confirmed he will be leaving the team after the final race in Abu Dhabi.
Manor owner and investor Stephen Fitzpatrick said Ryan had previously “contributing to an incredible tally of race and championship wins” in F1.
“Along with our new Mercedes Benz power unit, technical partnership with Williams and recent additions to the design and technical team, Dave’s arrival is another important step towards our goal of creating a truly competitive racing team.”
“I am also able to confirm that John Booth and Graeme Lowdon will be leaving the team at the end of the current season,” Fitzpatrick continued.
“I have the utmost respect for them as individuals and for all they have achieved, both with this team and in their long careers in Motorsport, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their hard work and dedication during this season in particular. Like every great story, there comes a time to start a new chapter.”
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George (@george)
14th November 2015, 18:38
Wow, that guy’s been gone for a long time. Interesting considering Lowden’s comments on the BBC during quali where he said you have to stay in the game because it moves on fast.
I do remember a lot of people were surprised McLaren let him go because he was a big part of their team though.
Yes (@come-on-kubica)
14th November 2015, 18:45
Hope Lowdon ends ups with an interesting project in the future, he’s one of the good guys and he did as much as he could with Virgin/Marussia/Manor as he could.
BJ (@beejis60)
14th November 2015, 21:00
I never trust anyone with a first name as their last name.
dragoll (@dragoll)
14th November 2015, 23:17
@beejis60 So you don’t trust Ron Dennis?
David Not Coulthard (@davidnotcoulthard)
15th November 2015, 13:06
@dragoll How are McLaren doing now? :P
BJ (@beejis60)
15th November 2015, 13:41
@dragoll Not one iota
Jack (@jmc200)
15th November 2015, 1:13
I think Lowden would make a great team principle for anyone, he has shown massive resilience in keeping Manor alive. I don’t like how these two have been forced out, though we don’t know the details. They’re both great guys, and basically ARE the soul of the team.
lockup (@)
15th November 2015, 10:04
Almost the only thing I know about Ryan is that he made a mistake, lied stupidly about it while the stewards were playing his radio proving the lie, pushed his driver into doing the same even answering for him, then slunk off leaving the 23-year-old to take the heat on his own. Never apologised or said a thing. Left his team in the dark and gave Max the lever he needed to get Ron out of the sport.
I don’t know much about Fitzpatrick either but Ryan’s appointment fits all too neatly with the impression given by Lowden and Booth walking out.