Whitmarsh says no interested in Manor boss role

Martin Whitmarsh has poured cold water on suggestions he might be set to succeed John Booth as Manor's new team boss.

The British backmarker has already replaced the departing Graeme Lowdon with former 'lie-gate' protagonist Dave Ryan.

Earlier this week Alexander Wurz told the BBC he had turned down the role, "After a period of consideration, I have informed (owner) Stephen Fitzpatrick that I have taken the decision not to make myself available to Manor."

Now another name linked with the job has been Whitmarsh, an experienced former team principal who worked closely alongside Ryan at McLaren.

Whitmarsh, now involved with the management of an America's Cup team, admitted to having contact with Manor but insisted: "I do not intend to become team principal at Manor."

He said he will "definitely say no" if Fitzpatrick asks him explicitly to lead the team in the post-Booth era.