Hungarian Grand Prix – Alfa Romeo have announced the signing of a new head of aerodynamics, in what looks like a swap between Ferrari and Alfa.
The symbiotic relationship between Ferrari and Alfa Romeo has resulted in another switch between the two teams this week, with the signing of a new Head of Aerodynamics. Last week, it was announced that Alfa’s Technical Director Simone Resta will rejoin Ferrari over the summer break, having joined the Swiss team early in 2018.
Replacing Resta in that role is Jan Monchaux, who is promoted up from the aerodynamic department at Alfa. With a gap now left in the aero department, Alfa have filled it and, again, it’s with someone from Ferrari. Alessandro Cinelli will begin work with Alfa on the 19th of August, taking up the role of Head of Aerodynamics.
Cinelli worked with Ferrari for 17 years, having joined during the Schumacher-dominated 2002 season. The 44 year old began work with the Scuderia’s test team as an aero engineer before stepping up to the race team. As his responsibilities increased, he was promoted to Head of the Aero Performance Group before being assigned to lead Ferrari’s Aero Experimental Group – his most recent position.
Prior to Ferrari, Cinelli had a short spell as an aerodynamicist with Williams between 1998 & 2002 and cut his teeth with the Tyrrell team in 1997.
“I am really excited about my appointment at Sauber Motorsport and I am looking forward to the challenge of leading an extremely talented group of people as Head of Aerodynamics.” said Cinelli of his new job at Alfa. “I join this young team with the mission to build on the solid foundations that have already been laid and to help produce results on track. I am confident we can continue on the right direction and bring even more success to the team.”
Alfa team boss Frederic Vasseur said Cinelli’s signing shows how the team’s foundations are becoming ever stronger: “I am delighted to welcome Alessandro to Sauber Motorsport and Alfa Romeo Racing. He joins a strong aerodynamics team and we are eager to see them continue the good work that was done so far. The recent appointments show how we continue to strengthen our structures and represent an evolution, rather than a revolution, of the system that has helped us progress in recent years.”
