JUNE 4, 2001

Jaguar confirm legal action against Newey and McLaren

THE Jaguar Racing team confirmed on Monday that they are considering legal action against the McLaren team and technical director Adrian Newey.

Jaguar said in a statement from their Milton Keynes base that Newey has signed a contract with them and that the contract, in turn, has been confirmed by the Queen's Counsel.

Jaguar now fears that Newey, who was set to start at his new team in August 2002, will now stay with McLaren and they have threatened legal proceedings.

"As things currently stand, Adrian Newey has indicated that he will not honor that contract," the team said. "We are therefore considering legal action against both Adrian Newey and McLaren International."

Newey has led design teams whose cars have won six drivers' and constructors' championships in the last nine years.

Jaguar announced last Friday that Newey would be joining their team but soon after McLaren said he was going nowhere and as both teams now lay claim to Newey's services, the matter seems destined to conclude in the court room.