Aston Martin say Newey stays principal amid media speculation

LONDON, March 19 : Aston Martin said Adrian Newey remained principal of the struggling Formula One team as media speculation ramped up on Thursday that he was set to be replaced by Audi's Jonathan Wheatley.

The www.motorsport.com website reported the acclaimed designer would stand aside to focus on technical matters, with Wheatley returning to Britain from Audi's factory in Switzerland.

The BBC and Sky Sports television also reported Aston Martin had made an approach for Wheatley, who was not available for comment, but no contract had been signed.

"The team will not be engaging in media speculation about its senior leadership team," Aston Martin said in a statement.

"Adrian Newey continues to lead the team as Team Principal and Managing Technical Partner."

Audi said they were aware of the media reports.

"There is no official update from our side at this point in time and we do not comment on speculation," said a team spokesman.

LAST IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP

Silverstone-based Aston Martin have yet to score a point or finish either of the two grands prix this season, with their new Honda power unit lacking performance and producing heavy vibrations.

Two-times world champion Fernando Alonso retired from last Sunday's Chinese Grand Prix after saying he was losing feeling in his hands and feet.

On board footage from the race in Shanghai showed Alonso taking his hands off the steering wheel whenever possible to ease the pain.

The team are owned by Canadian Lawrence Stroll, whose son Lance races as Spaniard Alonso's teammate. They finished seventh last season with Mercedes engines.

Newey took over as principal this season with previous incumbent Andy Cowell, a former Mercedes engine boss, moving into a strategy role.

Newey, whose cars have won