Dec.8 (GMM) Ron Dennis has scotched rumours suggesting he might be looking to return to the F1 pitwall.
At the 2009 season finale in Abu Dhabi last month, the 62-year-old returned to the paddock after a season away from the sport spent establishing McLaren's new production sports cars division.It was widely believed that Dennis' departure earlier this year was part of a deal with Max Mosley in the wake of the 'spy' and 'lie'-gate scandals.Abu Dhabi was the first race since 1993 without Mosley as FIA president, as Jean Todt took control of the governing body.But according to a report on sportspromedia.com, Dennis "ruled out a return" to F1 as he attended the recent Autosport Awards.2009 was Martin Whitmarsh's first season as Dennis' McLaren successor, and on Tuesday he told F1's official website that the British team has taken on a new flavour."While I think everybody in this organisation is indebted to Ron for his leadership and visionary prowess, I also think it's apparent that the team has started to acquire a slightly different style and personality over the last 12 months," he said."Of course, there is still a huge amount of 'Ron' in McLaren - and that's only natural and it's hugely important and beneficial too - but the most important thing I want people to recognise is that the successes achieved by McLaren come from us being a team, not from any one individual," Whitmarsh added.