Renault F1 team appoints Pete Machin as new head of aerodynamics

Machin, who previously worked at Red Bull as its aerodynamics team leader, will join Renault on July 3 and be based at Enstone.

He started his career at Bombardier Aerospace as an aerodynamicist, before entering F1 with Arrows in 1997 as senior CFD engineer.

Machin moved to Jaguar in 2002 and stayed on when the outfit became Red Bull, working on windtunnel development as the team won four successive drivers' and constructors' titles from 2010.

As part of the restructuring, Jon Tomlinson will assume the role of deputy head of aerodynamics, having previously led the department.

"Aerodynamics are obviously a hugely important element of the performance equation so to enlist Pete is a particular highlight of our recent recruitment programme," said Renault managing director Cyril Abiteboul.

"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 added: "It is clear that Renault Sport is serious about mounting a fresh challenge within F1 and I am happy to join the team.

"[Renault chief technical officer] Bob Bell headed-up the technical team when Renault last won world championships as a constructor, so I'm very much looking forward to working with him in my new role with that same achievement as the target.

"I have previously worked closely with both Nick Chester and Ciaron Pilbeam too, so I have good familiarity with some key personnel as well as the aspirations."

The appointments come after Renault announced in December that Pilbeam had rejoined the outfit from McLaren as chief race engineer.

Meanwhile, Rob White moved to Enstone from Renault's engine operation at Viry to take on the role of operations director.