Carcamo named as new Nissan global motorsport boss

Nissan's former LMP1 programme director Michael Carcamo has been named as the manufacturer's new global motorsport boss, taking over from Darren Cox who left the company last October.

In a managerial shake-up, Carcamo - who has been with Nissan for 13 years previously as a director of vehicle programme as well as an assistant chief engineer in Mexico - steps into the top role after Nissan withdrew its LMP1 division after failing to make its controversial front-wheel drive machine challenge the likes of Porsche, Audi and Toyota.

Cox, who previously held the position, has also left the company to pursue new projects and it has enabled Nissan to promote Carcamo into the head position.

"The ability to run successful programs around the world is derived from some of the same philosophy of the entire brand," Carcamo said. "We're a global organisation with the best resources and capabilities that aim to meet the customer needs. Our global vehicle development programmes allow us to capture the best of the best ideas for all our projects.

"Nissan and NISMO has a long and rich history in racing. We've had a lot of success with different types of motor racing which helps our company grow. I think motorsports is part of our DNA and something we continue because it's what we do, it's how we best express ourselves."

Nissan has also welcomed Takao Katagiri as President and CEO, taking over from Shoichi Miyatani who retired at the end of last month as is company tradition.