Ex-Renault tech boss Chester joins Andretti F1 project

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Ex-Renault technical director Nick Chester has reportedly joined Andretti Global's prospective Formula 1 project.

A long-standing member of Renault's original team since the mid-2000s, Chester remained at Enstone when the outfit was acquired by Lotus, succeeding James Allison as the squad's technical director and remaining with the team when it was bought back by Renault ahead of the 2016 season.

The British engineer later transferred to Mercedes' Formula E outfit where he remained until its takeover by McLaren at the end of last season.

Andretti, which has been pushing for a spot on the grid since last year, recently submitting to the FIA its 'expression of interest' application, , thereby initiating its official process to join F1 as the sport's eleventh team, perhaps as early as 2025.

Read also: Alpine confirms conditional engine deal with Andretti-Cadillac

Earlier this year, Andretti, which has started construction on a new $200m headquarters in Indianapolis in readiness for taking part in F1, strengthened its proposal by announcing a partnership with General Motors' Cadillac brand.

And according to several media reports, the entity has started recruiting key personnel for its technical department, including Chester who is expected to begin his tenure with Andretti this month.

Andretti has reportedly also hired as its chief designer former Jordan, Manor and ProDrive director of engineering John McQuilliam.

Furthermore, Chester's former Lotus/Renault colleague Jon Tomlinson has been appointed as Andretti's head of aerodynamics.

Andretti's is expecting feedback on its expression of interest application in April, while the FIA's final decision on the American team's bid to enter F1 should be communicated in June.

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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.