McLaren man takes major Force India role

(GMM) A McLaren director has been appointed in a leading role with the Force India team.

With the confirmation of Force India's technical linkup with McLaren-Mercedes on Monday, it also emerged that the Silverstone based team will receive "operational support".

As more details were divulged at a media event at Force India's Northamptonshire headquarters, it became clear that 46-year-old Simon Roberts, McLaren's operations director, will forthwith now work full-time for Force India.

But despite the significant scope of the deal, McLaren figures insisted that the team does not have the right to extend its will regarding Force India's race lineup beyond mere advice.

German racer Adrian Sutil told the news agency SID: "I am convinced that the partnership is a big step forward. I am looking forward to 2009."