Simon Roberts returns to McLaren from Force India

McLaren's Simon Roberts will next month return to the British team after a one-year appointment with Force India, it was announced late on Wednesday.

Roberts acted this year as Force India's chief operating officer, as the Silverstone based team got up to speed with its McLaren partnership, including a supply of Mercedes engines.

McLaren team boss Martin Whitmarsh was present at Force India's factory for the confirmation, where it was announced that former BAR and Honda official Otmar Szafnauer will take over the role from Roberts.

Both Romanian-born American Szafnauer and Roberts will attend the last two races of 2009 to "ensure a smooth transition", Force India said in a statement.

"Otmar was selected by myself in full consultation with McLaren to replace Simon, who has now completed his secondment with Force India," said team boss and co-owner Vijay Mallya.

The Indian added that he was "sad" to see Roberts go but "he was always on secondment and we knew we would have to let him return to the McLaren fold".

Meanwhile, it was announced last week that Toyota's departed engine boss Luca Marmorini is rejoining Ferrari, to replace Gilles Simon as the Italian team's engine and electronics chief.