Experienced designer Jorg Zander has decided against a return to Formula 1 for now, despite being close to a deal to join HRT.
As part of a technical reshuffle at HRT following the arrival of new owner Thesan Capital, Zander was in discussions to head up the design of the team's 2012 car, with the plan for him to work closely with chief aerodynamicist Stephane Schosse out of a new technical base in Munich. However, having evaluated the offer, Zander has elected to stay focused on his successful JZ Engineering GmbH company, which does work for the automotive industry.
"I am very happy with what I am currently doing," said Zander. "I have developed very good relationships with the car manufacturers in Germany, working on very interesting and challenging research and development projects."
Zander has a depth of experience in F1, having worked at Toyota, BAR, Williams, BMW Sauber, and then Honda/Brawn GP, leaving in the middle of the team's title-winning 2009 campaign.