Ilmor announce MotoGP manager for 2007

Ilmor has ended speculation that former Kawasaki boss Harald Eckl will be their team manager in the 2007 MotoGP championship.

The British-based team, which is preparing for its first full season in MotoGP next year, has announced the appointment of former Formula One engineer Mike Janes.

Janes has a predominantly Formula One background having worked with the likes of Williams, Jaguar and Red Bull Racing.

Ilmor boss Mario Illien said: “I’m delighted that Mike has joined the team. I think he has a wealth of experience to bring. I know that there have been a lot of rumours surrounding this appointment and as a team, we did not want to rush in to making a quick decision that we might later live to regret”

Janes said: “During my 15 years in motorsport I have had my fair share of challenges both on and off the track and I had no hesitation in accepting the challenge. As a sport I think MotoGP has a lot to offer fans and I’m really enjoying the prospect of applying my knowledge from a different motoring discipline to this equally fast paced world.”

Janes officially started working for Ilmor last week in testing at Jerez while the team is expected to confirm its rider line-up later this week.