Aston Martin announce engineering coup after rival departure

Aston Martin has announced the appointment of Bob Bell as executive director - technical following the Briton's departure from Alpine.

The F1 veteran had been in an advisory role with the French manufacturer before leaving, though his departure was not seen as a continuation of the recent Alpine exodus.

Bell, who takes four decades of experience with him, will report to team principal Mike Krack in a newly-created role at the Silverstone-based outfit, taking responsibility for the technical, engineering and performance operations at the team.

"I am delighted to welcome Bob Bell to Aston Martin Aramco," said Krack.

"This is a key appointment to ensure we are optimising everything we do as a team and focusing on the right performance areas. Bob’s track record in the sport speaks for itself and his experience will help us continue to make steps forward on the exciting journey we are on."

Bell added: "I have been impressed by the progress Aston Martin Aramco has made in recent years. The opportunity to play my part in that journey is incredibly exciting and I look forward to working with the great technical leaders at Silverstone.

"The scale and ambition of this project is highly motivating. I am a racer, and I see the hunger and determination powering this team. I look forward to playing my part with Mike and the rest of the team."