Alpine has pulled the covers off its A521 and its new identity as the French outfit opens a new chapter in its Formula 1 history.
Renault confirmed last September the rebranding of its F1 team and the revival of the legendary Alpine name, rekindling the niche manufacturer’s sporting legacy, born in the 1950s and built mainly in the rally and sportscar arenas.
Alpine’s resurrection has taken place amid an overhaul of Renault Sport’s management, with former F1 boss Cyril Abiteboul leaving the company while Laurent Rossi, Renault’s director of strategy and business development, assuming the role of CEO of Alpine and answering directly to Group Renault boss Luca de Meo.
Rossi will therefore overlook Alpine’s F1 efforts and work alongside executive director Marcin Budkowski, while former Suzuki MotoGP team boss Davide Brivio will oversee the day-to-ay running of the Alpine team.
But the most high profile change for the Enstone squad has been its hiring of two-time world chairman Fernando Alonso who will return to the F1 grid this season after a two-year absence and race alongside young gun Esteban Ocon.
4