The controversy following the first race of the Formula One 2009 season has claimed it s first victim in the form of a top McLaren official. Sporting director Dave Ryan has been suspended after 35 years with the team.
A statement from the Woking based team reads, “This morning, Dave Ryan was suspended from his position as sporting director of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team.â€
Martin Whitmarsh, team principal at McLaren said, “In my 20 odd years working for McLaren I doubt if I have met a more dedicated individual that Davey. He has been an integral part of McLaren since 1974 and has played a crucial role in the team s many world championship successes since that time. However his role in the events of last Sunday, particularly his dealings with the FIA stewards, has caused serious repercussions for the team for which we apologise. Therefore, I suspended him this morning and he has accepted this.â€
Discuss Whitmarsh’s decision on our forums here.
