F1: Technical director Smith leaves Sauber

Sauber has announced technical director Mark Smith's departure from the Formula 1 team, on the eve of the new season.

A former Red Bull and Caterham technical director, Smith joined the Swiss F1 outfit last July. The timing of his arrival meant his influence of the Sauber's new C35 – which missed the first pre-season test – was limited.

Ahead of this weekend's Australian Grand Prix, Sauber has announced Smith has left the company, noting he "has decided to go back to the UK for family reasons."

Originally on Autosport.com