Tombazis joins Manor as chief aerodynamicist

Manor has announced the appointment of former Ferrari man Nikolas Tombazis as its chief aerodynamicist.

Tombazis has previously worked for Benetton and McLaren before joining Ferrari as chief designer, a position he held for nine years. With Manor expected to move up the grid as a result of a power unit deal with Mercedes and a technical partnership with Williams, the team has now strengthened with the addition of Tombazis.

“I am very happy to be joining the Manor F1 Team at this exciting time in its development," Tombazis said. "The team has impressive plans and is investing in all the right areas to achieve its on-track ambitions, so I am very much looking forward to being part of that journey.

"The existing design team is already very strong and I look forward to working with a great group of people to make the most of the opportunities that lie ahead to help us progress through the field over the next few seasons.”

Manor technical director John McQuilliam says Tombazis will help get the best out of the existing group of designers within the team.

“I am delighted to announce Nikolas in the position of Chief Aerodynamicist," McQuiliiam said. "I believe this appointment will help to amplify the efforts of a very talented design team that, in recent years, has not had the opportunity to showcase the full extent of their experience and capabilities.

"I am confident that, together with our new Mercedes power unit and Williams gearbox and technical partnership, our new aero structure will provide us with the strength to design and develop consistently competitive racing cars to help steer us towards our long-term ambitions.”

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