MOTORSPORT boss David Richards said he resigned as chief executive of the Benetton Formula 1 team because of disagreements over the team's future plans.

Richards joined the Enstone-based team just over a year ago while continuing the twin role of leading the Prodrive motorsport and automotive engineering company at Banbury.

The Formula 1 season has been another tough year for Benetton, and Richards said he had a vision for the future of the team which was not shared by the Benetton family.

He said: "In spite of the excellent relationship that has developed between myself and the Benetton family, we could not agree on the future direction of the business.

"Nonetheless, it's been a very exciting year and I have a great belief in the potential of the team."

Richards would not comment on his future though his name has already been linked with the Stewart Ford Formula 1 team, based at Milton Keynes.

His Banbury company Prodrive is forging closer links with Ford as it will be preparing Ford's Mondeo entries in the 1999 British Touring Car Championship.

The new Benetton grand prix team's chief executive is the company's former commercial director 29-year-old Rocco Benetton, the youngest son of Luciano Benetton. He said: "The objective of the Benetton Formula 1 team in the next few years will be to build upon the victories achieved in the first ten years."

"We are a young team and we want to be competitive. To do this we have decided to strengthen our presence through greater investments in human and technical resources, in order to set our sights on new goals with energy and enthusiasm.

"I have a very positive view of the team and know that with a very strong technical leadership of Pat Symonds, Joan Villadelprat and Nick Wirth we can look forward to a highly competitive season in 1999."

Benetton Formula, which employs more than 300 people, scored three world titles - the drivers' championship in 1994 and the drivers' and constructors' championships in 1995.

Mr Richards set up Prodrive in 1986 since when it has grown to become one of the world's leading motorsport companies.

The number of people working for the firm rose from 38 to the current total of 400 and annual turnover is about £50m.

As well as preparing the Ford touring cars, the company also runs the world rally championship winning 555 Subaru World Rally Team which is battling for its fourth consecutive world title.

Earlier this year the company was chosen as a shining example of Cool Britannia when it was invited to exhibit to 25 international heads of state in the powerhouse::uk exhibition. QUIT: David Richards

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