Aston Martin set to appoint new technical director

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Aston Martin says it will soon appoint a new technical director as part of the restructuring of its engineering department that will be led by its new chief technical officer Andy Green.

Last week, the Silverstone-based outfit lifted a corner of its restructuring plans, revealing Green's promotion and the hiring of former Alfa Romeo man Luca Furbatto as its engineering director.

But Green will actually have oversight over three senior technical leaders: Performance Director, Engineering Director, and Technical Director.

In addition to Furbatto as engineering director, Tom McCullough will fulfill the role of performance director, responsible for trackside engineering and performance.

©AstonMartin

McCullough's responsibility also extends to all the performance areas within the factory, such as Aero Performance, Vehicle Performance, Performance Simulation and Performance Software.

The team's future technical director will lead on Aerodynamics Development, overall Car Design and the short to mid-term technical strategy.

As Andrew Green takes on this important strategic technical role, I am pleased to outline our new structure that will add real strength in depth to our technical operations.

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“In Tom, we have an experienced and talented engineer, who will continue to be responsible for trackside performance as well as the many factory-based performance functions," said Aston Martin F1 CEO and team boss Otmar Szafnauer.

"He is a strong leader, who has contributed a huge amount to the team’s success over the last eight years.

"With Luca Furbatto adding expertise to factory operations, focussed on the technical support areas, we have brought in another excellent people manager with great expertise in his areas of responsibility.

"Both men will report to Andrew Green, as will the soon to be appointed new Technical Director.

"Everybody at Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team aims to win Grands Prix and World Championships, and this new and improved structure we have created mirrors that of the most successful teams in Formula One today."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.