Key handed Midland technical role

Russia's new Midland Formula One team has announced Englishman James Key as its technical director.

The 33-year-old, who began at Lotus and came through the ranks of Midland's old incarnation Jordan, replaces Mark Smith, who left when Jordan was sold.

Key pointed out that now the transitional period following the team's acquisition by Midland was completed, the team are now very busy with the design of next year's car.

Key further went on to say how he was looking forward to the challenges of next season.

Midland managing director Colin Kolles gave his full support to Key stating he had full confidence in his new technical directors ability to handle such a massive responsibility.

Kolles was reported as saying He (Key) has been working with the team for several years and had built up an impressive level of experience and knowledge of motorsport.

This combined with his organisational skills and innovative ideas would be of great value to Midland with the ongoing development of the cars for 2006 and beyond.