Feb.15 (GMM) Ron Dennis on Friday confirmed reports that he and wife Lisa are separating after 22 years of marriage.

The rumour circulated in the paddock of the Jerez test this week, and was first published by the Swiss newspaper Blick.

In a statement issued by the McLaren Group, team boss Dennis said the couple had hoped that the matter would "remain confidential".

"Inevitably, the process is a difficult one for us and our three children, and we hope and trust that the media will respect that it should also therefore remain a private one," he added.