FORMULA 1: Jordan have confirmed the signing of former McLaren and Prost aerodynamicist Henri Durand, writes Justin Hynes in Kuala Lumpur
But while the Frenchman will begin work at the team's Silverstone headquarters next Monday, it is likely to be in partnership with embattled technical director Eghbal Hamidy, who is expected to continue to work for the Irish team for some time.
Hamidy, signed amid much fanfare last year but out of favour since pre-season testing of the new EJ12 proved disappointing, was expected to be given his marching orders as soon as a replacement was confirmed but it now seems that the former Arrows designer will work out some of the remainder of his contract. Hamidy is currently "on holiday", a variation on the well-worn Formula One theme of placing soon to be removed personnel on "gardening leave" while contract settlements are hammered out.
Durand, who earned his spurs during a long stint at McLaren, where he worked under the team's star designer Adrian Newey, spent the last two season working for the now defunct Prost team. Since the French outfit's downfall earlier this year, Durand has been on the market, with rumours linking him to McLaren and BAR as well as Jordan.
Prost's end was an unfortunate development in the Frenchman's career, having only joined Alain Prost's squad last year and spending the bulk of his year working on the Prost AP05, built for this season but which never turned a wheel in anger.
Eddie Jordan admitted he was pleased to have Durand on board, saying he felt he would bring a lot to the development of the EJ12 over the course of the season. "I am delighted Henri is joining us as he brings great expertise and vast experience gained from working with some of our key rivals," he said.
"It's clear that we have to work harder than ever to achieve success in Formula One and, with the goal of returning the team to a race-winning position, I think it is very exciting to have someone of Henri's calibre come on board at this time." Jordan insiders would not, however, be drawn on how soon Durand will take over from Hamidy at Silverstone.
