25/06/2007
NEWS STORY
Renault is currently restructuring its aero department and one of the first changes sees the promotion of Dino Toso to the new role of Director of Aerodynamic Technology.
This role will see Toso responsible for the creative direction of the aero programmes in addition to the role of looking at how to exploit the new Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) centre. However, the primary focus is still the creative aero side, and this will allow more time for that creative work plus improved communications with chief designer Tim Densham.
According to the French team, the current role of head of aero had become too much for one person owing to the sheer size of the department, and the work involved in managing the many different areas this involves.
Therefore role has been split, dividing it into two areas: the definition of the creative direction of the aerodynamic programmes and the running of the wind tunnel - essentially, delivering those programmes in terms of tangible results.
Therefore, on a temporary basis, James Allision has taken over as head of aero, where, amongst other things, he will be responsible for driving the tunnel - and delivering performance development.
It's understood that the problem-solving phase, with regards the R27, is now complete, and therefore the French team needs to drive the tunnel harder in order to close the gap to its rivals in the second half of the season. However, Renault cannot compromise its 2008 programme, when it aims to have a car capable of challenging for the title once again.
Therefore, the Enstone-based outfit felt the handover, originally planned for late 07, should be moved forward.
Allision will drive the tunnel for the rest of the year, while Toso is freed up to look at 2008 along with Densham.