Former Renault F1 engine man Taffin joins Oreca

©Oreca

Renault F1's former chief engine architect Remi Taffin has joined French constructor Oreca as its technical director.

Taffin was a long-standing member of Renault's F1 effort, joining the manufacturer in 1999 and later leading its engine department in Viry-Châtillon where he remained until his departure in June earlier this year.

But the 47-year-old engineer is now set to open a new chapter in his motorsport career by transferring his expertise to Oreca. Taffin will work out of the sportscar manufacturer's Signes base at the Circuit Paul Ricard as well as at its operations located in Magny-Cours.

The Frenchman will oversee Oreca's chassis department that handles the production of its successful LMP2 07 contender as well as the manufacturer's engine unit.

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"I am extremely happy Remi is joining Oreca to manage the entire technical scope of the group," said Oreca boss Hugues de Chaunac.

"His technical skills, mastery of new technologies, high level of experience and customer philosophy will all serve the company at a time when it is experiencing an important stage in its development as one of the world leaders in the construction of racing cars."

Taffin added: "I am impatient to start working with Hugues and his teams at Oreca, a benchmark in the world of motorsport, particularly in the various classes in endurance racing.

"The technical and organisational challenges necessary to stay ahead, and the culture and richness of current and future Oreca projects have definitely convinced me I want to play a major role in the next stages of Oreca's development."

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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.