Audi appoint former F1 driver McNish as racing director

German brand Audi have appointed former Formula One driver Allan McNish as their racing director, the German F1 team said in a statement on Friday.

McNish will begin his role heading up trackside operations from the Miami Grand Prix on May 3 onwards.

"This is an exciting challenge at a pivotal moment in the history of Audi and Formula One, and I am looking forward to contributing even more directly to our trackside performance," he said.

Audi, who are making their F1 debut this season, have been evaluation their leadership structure following the surprise departure of Jonathan Weatley from his role as team principal.

McNish takes the newly-created role and will report to CEO and team principal Mattia Binotto.

He will have oversight of sporting matters, engineering coordination, driver management, race strategy and garage operations, among other things.

"Allan brings an exceptional combination of racing experience, technical understanding and leadership to this role," Binotto said.

"He has been a central part of the motorsport structure of Audi for many years."

McNish raced in F1 for Toyota in 2002, starting 16 races.