BMW Sauber have confirmed the appointment of ex-Force India Technical Director James Key. He will replace Willy Rampf who had always planned to leave the team at the end of April.
Key launched his Formula One career in 1998 when he joined Jordan as a data engineer. Since then, he has been Race Engineer to Takuma Sato, Technical Director at Midland F1, Spyker F1 and Force India. Key was in charge of the successful VJM02 car which claimed a fastest lap, pole position and a second placed podium position.
“The first time I saw the facilities in Hinwil, I knew straightaway the kind of opportunities open to me there,” said Key.
“The wind tunnel, the supercomputer, the machine park and the expertise of the team were extremely persuasive. There is significant potential at Sauber, and with the ever-changing world of F1 I think the team is very well placed at present.
“I am grateful to my old team for the past 12 years I spent with them, but now I very much look forward to starting my new job. I would like to thank Peter Sauber and the team for this great opportunity.”
Team Principal Peter Sauber recognises Key’s talents despite the Englishman being just 38.
“Despite his young age, James looks back on more than a decade of experience in Formula One – and the 2009 car in particular proved quite a revelation.
“James comes from a private team and knows how to work around a limited budget. With us he will enjoy high-level technical opportunities.”
The move will lead to Willy Rampf leaving the team.
“I have known about Willy’s plans for some time, of course, and fully understand his decision. He has achieved great things for our team,” added Peter Sauber.
Rampf added: “When you’re Technical Director of a Formula One team, the job comes first and everything else is subordinate to it. I have done my job with a passion for ten years, but now it’s time to hand over the baton. Peter Sauber gave me the chance to enter this league of motor sport and I greatly value all my years spent working with the team.”
