"Hiroshi Oshima continues in the position of operating officer at Honda Motor Co Ltd," the team's statement continued, "However, with effect from June this year, Oshima-san will be promoted to the position of managing officer with responsibility for motorsports and circuit business (including Motegi and Suzuka). Ross Brawn, team principal of the Honda Racing
F1 Team and Nick Fry, CEO, both report to Oshima-san."
The fall-out from last year's debacle began with the departure of chief designer Kevin Taylor earlier in the week, with Honda F1 confirming his exit, but not confirming suggestions that there was increasing friction between the penman and returning deputy technical director Jorg Zander.
"We can confirm that Kevin Taylor has, by mutual agreement, decided to leave the Honda Racing F1 Team," the team's statement acknowledged, "Since joining the company in May 2002, Kevin has played a key role in the design of the car and has always demonstrated huge commitment to
Honda's goal of winning the world championship. After six years with the team, Kevin has decided that now is the time for a fresh challenge in his career. We wish Kevin every success in the future."
