Alpine F1 promotes Pat Fry to Chief Technical Officer

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Alpine has promoted former chassis technical director Pat Fry to the role of Chief Technical Officer, while former engineering director Matt Herman has been named as the team's new Technical Director.

Fry who joined Alpine in 2020 will oversee all technical activities in Enstone, and will be responsible for setting the performance target of the car as well as defining the technical capabilities and competencies needed by the French outfit.

The British engineer will also "arbitrate on major performance trade-offs and risks" and set the team's long term development strategy.

As Alpine's new technical director, Matt Herman will take responsibility for delivering performance and experiments to the track, but the Briton's background as Power Unit engineer will help strengthen the link to Renault's engine department at Viry-Chatillon and further optimise PU integration.

Alpine says its management changes are part of a reorganization initiated in November 2021 and designed to maximise the team's performance.

Read also: Rossi admits Alpine 'had no idea what to do' in early 2021

"We are considerably strengthening Alpine F1 Team by having Pat and Matt at the helm of Engineering in Enstone," commented Alpien chief executive Laurent Rossi.

"Pat is one of the most experienced engineers in Formula 1, while Matt’s drive and expertise will prove critical in extracting the full potential of our race cars, thanks in particular to his unique expertise combining chassis and engine development."

While strengthening its engineering structure, Alpine has yet to appoint a new team principal following the recent departure of executive director Marcin Budkowski, with former Aston Martin team boss Otmar Szafnauer still expected to join the Enstone squad.

Alpine is scheduled to present its new 2022 car on February 21, two days ahead of the start of pre-season in Barcelona.

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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.