Colin Kolles has formally left the Force India F1 Team, officially ending his five-year relationship with the Silverstone-based outfit. Although the German was replaced as team principal by team owner Vijay Mallya in a management reshuffle late last year, he remained contracted to the team until October 31st, recently.

Kolles has not been at any of this year's 17 races with Force India, although he attended the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as a guest of Williams. Having run teams in the Formula three Euroseries, Kolles joined the Midland-owned Jordan team in 2005, becoming managing director. He then stayed on-board through the transition from Jordan, to Midland, to Spyker and finally to Force India.

“The Force India F1 Team confirms that Dr Colin Kolles' contract with Force India ended on 31st October 2009,” read a team statement.

“Dr Kolles has been associated with the company since the Jordan Team was acquired by Midland Racing, then by Spyker, and subsequently by the present owners. Dr Kolles was personally associated and enabled the sale and purchase of the team and has assisted the various owners of the company in running the team since 2005.

“Dr Kolles has held positions as Team Principal, Director and the Managing Director of the team during his tenure.”

“We thank Dr Kolles for his contributions during his term and wish him success in his future endeavours,” concluded the statement.