Honda Racing Development, Ltd, the UK base of Honda’s Formula One programme, has appointed Otmar Szafnauer as its first Vice-President with immediate effect.

Otmar will work closely with President Shoichi Tanaka, in the overall operation of HRD and representing Honda to the F1 engine manufacturers working group. He will be responsible for Honda’s relationship with the FIA, including appearing in FIA press conferences, and Honda's relationship with Jordan Grand Prix and BAR.

Otmar has much experience in the motor sports and production car industries with three years as Operations Director of British American Racing (1998-2001) and two years as Operations Director of Ford Motor Company (1986-1998).  He is a trained engineer, the holder of an MBA from the University of Detroit, and he once raced as an owner-driver in the USAC Formula 2000 championship (1993 & 1994).

Otmar Szafnauer:
"It is an honour to be joining Honda Racing Development.  Having worked closely with many of the Honda engineers over the past three years I am looking forward to being part of the Honda family itself and helping the company to achieve its goal of winning the Formula One World Championship."

Shoichi Tanaka, President, Honda Racing Development:
"I am very pleased that Otmar has joined us at HRD.  He brings an enormous amount of engineering and management skills with him as well as being an excellent communicator.  I am sure that this appointment will strengthen our F1 base in the UK."