Ex-McLaren CEO Capito returns to Volkswagen

Jost Capito, who left his role as chief executive officer of McLaren Racing in February after just five months in the job, is returning to Volkswagen.

Formerly Volkswagen's motorsport director, Capito will now manage Volkswagen R GmbH, the brand's center for design- and performance-oriented products, and Volkswagen Zubehör GmbH, which develops and markets vehicle accessories worldwide.

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Capito was announced as joining McLaren a year ago, with the move planned to take place as soon as VW had confirmed his successor. But it was reported as early as December that Capito's position was under threat following the departure of Ron Dennis and arrival of Zak Brown. Dennis had been behind Capito's arrival but was himself ousted as McLaren chairman and chief executive in November.

McLaren confirmed in February that the 58-year-old has left his role just five months into the job as part of an ongoing restructuring at the team.

Capito first joined the Volkswagen Group in the Porsche racing department in 1989. After managing the Sauber Formula 1 racing team, he joined Ford in 2001, where he was responsible for motorsport activities and performance vehicles. In 2012 Capito was appointed director of motorsport of the Volkswagen brand and led the Volkswagen team to first place in the FIA World Rally Championship in 2013, 2014 and 2015, before his brief stint at McLaren.

RACER's Chris Medland contributed to this report.