Alpine puts Mike Elliott in charge of its entire technical department

Alpine has appointed Mike Elliott to the newly created role of Chief Technical Officer. The former Mercedes technical director will oversee all technical and engineering functions at Enstone. Elliott already knows the site, having worked for Renault between 2008 and 2012 before joining Mercedes, where he later led aerodynamics, technology and technical operations.\n\nAlpine says the move is designed to strengthen its organisation and close the gap to the top four. Motorsport.com reports that executive technical director David Sanchez is expected to report to Elliott. This is therefore more than an experienced hire: Alpine is placing one figure above its entire technical structure.