Mike Gascoyne has seen his Caterham responsibilities broadened – but it will now be Mark Smith that takes over the day-to-day technical work for the team's 2012 Formula One season.

Norwich-born engineer Gascoyne was at the heart of Tony Fernandes' Hingham-based project when it began life in September 2009, acting as chief technical officer for the constructor in its first two seasons.

Gascoyne's reward is a new title – Caterham group chief technical officer – and responsibility for 'proposing, supporting and coordinating key technical initiatives in Caterham Group's motorsport activities, Caterham Cars, Caterham Composites and Caterham Technology and Innovation'.

While Gascoyne will still attend F1 races, technical director Mark Smith will step up to lead the day to day running of the Formula One team's technical division.

'This is a very proud moment for me,' said Gascoyne. 'The shareholders have established Caterham Group as a serious force for future development in a number of very exciting sectors.

'My new role will now give me the chance to help drive value across the whole group through the creation and delivery of new projects in all the sectors we are already working in, and opening up new opportunities for each of the group's companies to embrace.

'Mark Smith is exactly the right person to step up to the broader role he will now be taking on in the F1 team, and I am looking forward to working even more closely with Mark Edwards at Caterham Technology and Innovation, Phil Hall at Caterham Composites and Ansar Ali at Caterham Cars.

'This is a big challenge but one I am extremely excited about.'

Caterham chief executive Fernandes added: 'We are all delighted that Mike has taken up the challenge we have presented him, to lead technical direction across the whole Caterham Group.

'His experience, knowledge, enthusiasm and creativity give him the perfect skill set to help us achieve the ambitious goals we have set for all the group companies, and I know Mike is excited about what lies ahead.'

Former Jordan and Renault man Gascoyne has previously stated his desire to make Hingham his final Formula One project, as well as his keen interest in using Caterham Composites to bring F1 technology to industries such as sailing.