After a six-month hiatus from Formula 1, former Alpine sporting director Alan Permane is poised for a return to the sport with the rebranded AlphaTauri team according to Motorsport.com.
Permane, a grand prix stalwart with an impressive 34-year tenure at Enstone, witnessed the team’s transformation from Benetton to Renault, Lotus, and most recently, to Alpine.
However, his departure from the French outfit last summer, along with that of team principal Otmar Szafnauer, left a void in the organization.
Permane's wealth of knowledge and experience, having played a pivotal role back in the day in the title-winning campaigns of Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso, made him a coveted asset for other teams once he was available.
AlphaTauri has yet to officially confirm the news, but Motorsport.com understands that Permane “is being lined up for a role at the squad”.
The Briton’s return to the grid with Red Bull’s sister outfit wouldn’t be a surprise given the praise levied upon him last summer by Christian Horner.
"Whilst I've never worked with Alan Permane, I think sometimes there has to be respect shown for somebody that's put in 34 years of hard graft and been involved in world championships with Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso," commented at the time the Red Bull Racing team principal.
"He has also been a steady hand during periods of that team going into administration, and out of administration, and into different ownership and so on.
"He's very much been a constant there during that period. I think that earns respect and recognition. It won't be the last you've seen of them in the pitlane, no doubt about that."
As for AlphaTauri, the Faenza-based squad is undergoing a transformation, with management and identity changes taking place.
Long-standing team principal Franz Tost has retired from the sport and has been replaced by former Ferrari sporting director Laurent Mekies, who will answer to CEO Peter Bayer.
The team will announce its new name ahead of the launch next month of its 2024 car.
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