14/11/2006
NEWS STORY
The Renault F1 Team will make a number of changes to the structure of its trackside operations on both the chassis and engine teams for 2007.
The changes form part of the team's planned transition into 2007, which will it with a new driver line-up, and the commencement of an engine supply agreement with Red Bull Racing which creates additional trackside roles at races and tests.
On the chassis side, Executive Director of Engineering Pat Symonds (right) will make a gradual transition to a role which involves less direct operational involvement at Grand Prix weekends, allowing him to work more closely with Flavio Briatore. In addition to engineering responsibilities, Pat already represents the team on the FIA Technical Working Group and the FIA's Open Cockpit Research Group (OCRG). This transition is a continuation of a process begun in 2006, when additional personnel joined the team to assist Pat with race strategy.
Alan Permane, formerly Race Engineer to Giancarlo Fisichella, has been promoted to the role of Chief Race Engineer for the 2007 season. This role will see him supervising the engineering of both cars during each race weekend. Symonds will assist Permane in the transition to his new role during the first part of the 2007 season.
Permane's promotion and the team's new driver line-up will result in organisational changes to both the race and test engineering allocations. These have yet to be finalised, and this process will occur during the winter.
As for the engine department, Denis Chevrier, the team's Head of Trackside Engine Operations, will oversee all trackside engine operations for both Renault F1 Team and Red Bull Racing.
Fabrice Lom, formerly Engine Race Engineer to Fisichella) will co-ordinate the group of trackside personnel allocated to support the Red Bull Racing programme.
In parallel with the evolution of the chassis team, engine trackside operations have also been reviewed. This review took account of the Engine Supply Agreement with Red Bull Racing, the changes to the engine rules and the Agreement between the teams concerning private testing. These changes will be finalised and confirmed during the winter, with effect from the first test of 2007.