Steve Nielsen to leave Caterham in January

Steve Nielsen will leave his post as Sporting Director of Caterham in January, the Leafield-based team confirmed to GPUpdate.net on Wednesday afternoon.

Having joined the outfit at the end of 2011, when it was known as Team Lotus, Nielsen oversaw track operations during his relatively short stay. He has previously worked for the original incarnation of Team Lotus, Tyrrell, Arrows, Benetton and Renault.

"Caterham F1 Team has today confirmed that Steve Nielsen is leaving his post of Sporting Director in January," a team spokesperson told GPUpdate.net. "The team is currently assessing the best options for his replacement and will make an announcement in due course."

It is not yet known if Nielsen will be joining a rival team for the 2013 campaign.