Alfa Romeo’s head of aerodynamics Jan Monchaux has been promoted to the role of Technical Director replacing Simone Resta.
Monchaux’s appointment to the role is in light of Simone Resta leaving the team and returning to Ferrari at the end of July, having joined back in May 2018.
Monchaux, speaking about his promotion, said: “I am very excited about this new challenge and I am looking forward to starting in my new position.”
“The owners, board and team principal are sending a simple but strong message to the whole company – they value continuity and believe in the existing team and the work we have been doing. It is now up to us to prove them right, but I am convinced our future is bright.”
While Ferrari and the FCA-owned Alfa Romeo are no longer tied legal entities, they still fall under the Exor umbrella and there remains a close symbiotic relationship between the organisations. This was evident last year when Ferrari’s Chief Designer Resta left the team in order to join the ‘new’ Alfa Romeo entry taking over the Sauber name.
With Alfa Romeo faring well this year and Ferrari struggling for competitiveness as former technical boss Mattia Binotto became the overall Team Principal, Resta has been recalled and will serve a short period of gardening leave before rejoining Ferrari.
Alfa Romeo’s Team Principal, Frédéric Vasseur said: “I want to thank Simone for his contribution to the progression of the team and I wish him all the best for his future appointments.”
“As for Jan, I am delighted to have him step up to the role of Technical Director. He has done a brilliant job so far and I am confident he will be able to lead our technical group as the team continues its upward journey.”
Monchaux has previously worked for Audi Sport, Ferrari, and Toyota before joining Alfa Romeo’s aerodynamics department in 2018.