Photo Credit: Photo by Qian Jun/MB Media/Getty Images
Former Renault team boss Flavio Briatore is linked to a special advisory role at Alpine according to Italian and French media.
Flavio Briatore was at the helm during team Enstone’s world championship years, with Michael Schumacher in 94/95 and Fernando Alonso in 05/06.
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However, his reputation took a tremendous hit when he received a lifetime ban from the sport for his major role in the ‘crashgate’ scandal.
His ban was overturned in 2010. He is Alonso’s manager and is often seen in the paddock at many races throughout the year.
According to the Italian outlet ‘Corriere della Serra’ and French outlet ‘L’Equipe’, he may return to the team to become a special advisor.
The role is thought to be less hands on and will be focusing on general improvements to the squad.
Alpine’s Struggles
Alpine has had a torrid start to the season after missing aero targets and having a car that was overweight.
They have scored two points compared to 44 this time last year – along with having a podium to their name.
Team principal Bruno Famin has re-structured the technical team to incorporate the McLaren philosophy of having three technical heads.
Ex-Ferrari and McLaren designer David Sanchez was hired in the wake of technical director Matt Harman and head of aero Dirk de Beer leaving the team.
However, they also just announced the release of Rob White, their Operations Director. White had been with the team for 20 years and played a key role in its 2005 and 2006 championships.
Progress has been made throughout the year so far, but it’s still a catastrophic start for a factory team.
Rumours of a sale have been sparked in recent weeks, but Alpine has maintained that is not the case.
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