Renault hires ex-RBR man as Head of Aerodynamics

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Renault has announced that Pete Machin will join the organisation as Head of Aerodynamics, based at Enstone, from July 3.

Machin had previously applied his expertise at Red Bull Racing, working on wind tunnel development for the championship-winning team.

The engineer's tenure in Milton Keynes started under the guise of Jaguar Racing in April 2002 and he was previously Senior CFD Engineer at Arrows Formula One Team from October 1997 to April 2002. Machin started his career at Bombardier Aerospace as an aerodynamicist.

"We are very pleased to welcome Pete Machin to Enstone," said Renault Sport managing director Cyril Abiteboul.

"Aerodynamics are obviously a hugely important element of the performance equation so to enlist Pete is a particular highlight of our recent recruitment programme.

"The latest generation of regulations are, if anything, more aero-crucial than before so to have Pete join us at such a time of exciting evolution will be of the greatest benefit.

"Pete will fit into our existing structure and we expect to see the fruits of his labours come on stream later in the year."

Machin was equally happy with his move to the French outfit where he'll find a few familiar faces.

"It is clear that Renault Sport is serious about mounting a fresh challenge within Formula 1 and I am happy to join the team," commented Machin.

"Bob Bell headed-up the technical team when Renault last won championships as a constructor, so I'm very much looking forward to working with him with that same achievement as the target.

"I have previously worked closely with [Chassis Technical Director] Nick Chester and [Chief Race Engineer] Ciaron Pilbeam too, so I have good familiarity with some key personnel as well as the aspirations.

"The technical regulation changes for 2017 are the first significant change in four years and will allow F1 cars to achieve greater downforce than at any other time in the history of the sport.

"So it's a very exciting time to be taking charge of aerodynamic development at Renault Sport Racing and I am confident in getting the team back to the sharp end of the grid."

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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.