Saturday 4 February at 07:35 : Feb.4 (GMM) Sauber's technical director James Key has left the Swiss team.

In a media statement, the Ferrari-powered outfit said Key, a Briton who switched from Force India in 2010, has accepted an unspecified "new role" in his native UK.

Sauber's design and development will now be handled by "the department heads for aerodynamics, design, performance and operations", the team added.

"We would like to thank him (Key) for his efforts and wish him all the best for his future," said boss Peter Sauber.

Sauber said operating without a technical director "has proved to work well at other racing outfits".