McLaren and Toro Rosso finally strike Key agreement

McLaren and Toro Rosso have struck a deal that will see James Key finally move to the British outfot as their new technical director. McLaren announced a deal for Toro Rosso's key in July, but have been unable to extricate him from the Red Bull stable until now.

Red Bull's demands in order to free Key early were reportedly wide-ranging. It was suggested that large sums of compensation and even a move for Lando Norris to Toro Rosso were among them.

Although the former Jordan and Sauber engineer has had no input into McLaren's 2019 car, team boss Zak Brown previously spoke with confidence that he would have a say in its development before putting full focus into its 2020 successor.

And that certainly now seems to be the case, with Key set to start work at Woking a week after the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

A statement said: "McLaren Racing and Scuderia Toro Rosso confirm they have reached an agreement to settle the position of Mr James Key, who will be released by Scuderia Toro Rosso prior to the end of his existing contract arrangement on 23 March 2019.

"James will begin his role as Technical Director, McLaren F1, on 25 March 2019."

Toro Rosso released a similar statement, while confirming: "Jody Egginton will begin his new role as Scuderia Toro Rosso Technical Director on March 25^th 2019."

Egginton previously served as deputy technical director under Key at Faenza.

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