Ex-Renault tech boss Chester joins Andretti F1 project

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.

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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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