The £30m 'bargain': Newey deal statement of intent from Aston

The departing Red Bull designer has an unmatched record in modern motor sport

- Giles Richards

Adrian Newey has said he feels under no pressure having been confirmed by Aston Martin as the head of their technical department, an appointment the team hope will propel them into a position to fight for the Formula One championship in short order.

Aston Martin announced yesterday that Newey, Formula One's most successful designer of the modern era, will join the team next season. He has signed a long-term deal, worth what is believed to be up to £30m a year, and will become a shareholder in another bold statement of intent from Aston Martin's billionaire owner, Lawrence Stroll.

Newey will be the team's new managing technical partner, with the 65-year-old starting work with the team and its drivers, the double world champion Fernando Alonso and Stroll's son Lance, in March. They have bold ambitions but Newey felt confident in his own abilities, proven with a remarkable record in F1.

"I don't feel the need to prove myself any more to the external world," he said. "My motivation is to try to do the best job I can. My pressure comes from within. I remember Frank Williams saying he felt I was the most competitive person in the pit lane. I remember being a bit upset about it at the time. But I cannot deny that I am competitive professionally. I pressure myself to do the best job possible."