Renault restructures aerodynamics department
Renault F1 Team has announced a restructuring of its aerodynamics department ahead of the 2020 season as it continues to strengthen its organisation for the challenge and opportunity offered by the 2021 regulations.
The restructure sees Dirk de Beer rejoin the team as Head of Aerodynamics. De Beer worked at Enstone (Renault and Lotus) in the same role between 2008 and 2013 before doing similar work at Ferrari and Williams.
He will therefore replace current Head of Aerodynamic, Peter Machin, who is leaving the team "by mutual agreement, with immediate effect". Machin had only joined Renault in July 2017 after a 15-year spell as Team Leader, Aerodynamics at Red Bull Racing.
De Beer will be supported by a Deputy Head of Aerodynamics who will join in the course of next year from another team. Vince Todd takes on this role on an interim basis until his arrival.
James Rodgers, currently Principal Aerodynamicist in charge of future car projects, is promoted to a new position of Chief Aerodynamicist, responsible for Aerodynamic performance development.
"In 2019 we have shown some strengths, but identified areas that needed reinforcement", said Renault Team Principal, Cyril Abiteboul.
"After a rapid growth of our aerodynamic department and a modernisation of our equipment, the strengthening of the management layer of this key department will help us reap the benefits of our investments. This is particularly relevant as we enter a very important year in our midterm plan with the 2021 aerodynamic regulations now confirmed.”
Marcin Budkowski, Executive Director, added: “We are delighted to welcome Dirk as Head of Aerodynamics. His proven technical and management skills make him the perfect profile to lead such a large and complex department.
"James has demonstrated a strong ability to generate performance and this new role will enable him to steer the aerodynamic development of all our car projects.
These changes are the next step in the restructuring of Renault F1 Team’s Chassis operation in Enstone and I am confident that they will allow us to resume our progress towards the front of the grid."
