The FIA has announced the appointment of former Jaguar and Red Bull Racing team principal Tony Purnell to a role as a technical consultant.

Purnell's main role will be to help the FIA to develop Formula One technologies that will be both road-relevant and will help to improve the racing spectacle.

Purnell will work closely with FIA technical consultant Peter Wright and Head of the FIA Formula One technical department Charlie Whiting, and will liaise with manufacturers, oil companies and key universities to identify the latest trends in vehicle technology developments.

“I am delighted that Tony will be working with the FIA on this important new Formula One project,” FIA president Max Mosley said. “Everyone who has worked with Tony knows him to be one of the most pragmatic and technically astute minds in the sport.”

Prior to his roles with Jaguar and Red Bull, Purnell founded the Pi Research company which was purchased by Ford in 1999 – leading to him becoming the head of Ford's premiere performance division before he moved in senior F1 positions.