Motorsport: Ferrari split with technical director

Sebastian Vettel on the grid ahead of the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix. Photo / Getty Images

Ferrari have split with technical director James Allison, a move which could deal a big blow to the Formula One team's title ambitions.

The Briton, who joined the sport's glamour team in September 2013 from Enstone-based outfit Lotus where he was a key figure, was seen as the man to lead a turnaround in fortunes after a difficult few years for the sport's most successful team.

Mattia Binotto will fill the role of Chief Technical Officer, the team said in a statement on Thursday.

Ferrari returned to the top step of the podium last year after enduring a winless season in 2014, but the Maranello-based team have struggled to repeat that form this year.

Allison lost his wife to illness earlier this year and reports since have hinted he was keen to move back to the UK to spend more time with his children.

Ferrari are second in the constructors' standings behind Mercedes but are at risk of being overhauled by Red Bull who are only one point behind.