Ryan joins Manor, Wurz could follow

Former McLaren sporting director Dave Ryan has been named Manor Racing's new racing director while Alexander Wurz could join him at the team next year.

With Graeme Lowdon confirming on Friday that the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be his last with the team, Manor wasted no time to confirm his replacement with Ryan to take over ahead of the 2016 campaign.

Team owner Stephen Fitzpatrick announced via a statement: "I’m delighted to announce Dave’s appointment in the newly created position of Racing Director. He needs no introduction, of course, having spent 34 years within the sport contributing to an incredible tally of race and championship wins.

"Along with our new Mercedes Benz power unit, technical partnership with Williams and recent additions to the design and technical team, Dave's arrival is another important step towards our goal of creating a truly competitive racing team."

Ryan spent three seasons with the Woking-based McLaren before he left in 2009 on the back of the Australian GP controversy when Lewis Hamilton was disqualified after lying to stewards.

However, the New Zealander will be back in the paddock in 2016.

"I’m very excited to be joining the Manor Marussia F1 Team at a pivotal time in their development," he said. "Having spent time with Stephen, and understood his vision for the future, it is clear he has ensured there is a strong platform from which the team can make big steps forward in the seasons ahead. 

"Manor has all the hallmarks of a fiercely competitive racing team, but having grown up in a much more contemporary Formula 1 era, it is a very lean operation with a collaborative culture, which leaves it well placed to contend with the sport’s future direction. There is clearly a big challenge ahead and a lot of work to do, but I can’t wait to meet the wider team and get down to business."

Besides Lowdon, team principal John Booth will also leave Manor once the season is over and reports claim Alexander Wurz will take over.

The Austrian, who announced his retirement from motorsport earlier in the week, has confirmed he has been approached, but he is yet to make a decision.