Motor racing-Former Mercedes F1 engine chief Cowell joins Aston Martin

FILE PHOTO: F1 - Formula One - British Grand Prix 2017 - Silverstone, Britain - July 14, 2017 Andy Cowell, Managing Director of Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains during the press conference REUTERS/Jason Cairnduff/File Photo

LONDON (Reuters) - Former Mercedes Formula One engine boss Andy Cowell is joining Aston Martin as group chief executive in place of Martin Whitmarsh, the Silverstone-based team said on Tuesday.

Cowell will start on Oct. 1, reporting to the team's co-owner and executive chairman Lawrence Stroll, with Whitmarsh handing over responsibility before the end of the year.