John Booth: Toro Rosso recruit former Manor team boss as director of racing

John Booth has joined Toro Rosso as the Italian team's director of racing

Former Manor Formula 1 team boss John Booth has joined Toro Rosso as director of racing.

Booth, who spent six years with Manor in its various guises, starts his role - which is on a consultancy basis - at this weekend's Russian Grand Prix.

The 61-year-old resigned from Manor at the end of last year and is this year running an unconnected team of the same name in the World Endurance series.

He described his new position with Red Bull's junior team as "a great honour".

Red Bull team principal Franz Tost said the new role was necessary as a result of recent rule changes, including the expansion of tyre choice and restrictions on radio communications with drivers.

"Formula 1 is becoming ever more complex, with recent changes on the tyre front, car set-up, radio communications and so forth," said Tost.

"Therefore, having a competitive car and talented drivers, both of which we have, on its own is not enough. With his vast experience I am sure John will help the team raise its game and become a more effective force over a race weekend."