Briatore claims new Alpine boss "a great example" of team approach

Flavio Briatore believes the appointment of Oliver Oakes as Alpine's new team principal serves as "a great example" of what the F1 team is striving to achieve.

At the age of 36, Oakes becomes the second youngest team principal in F1 history, stepping up to the top step of motorsport after forging a successful career as a team boss with Hitech GP which he formed in 2015, and which competes in F2 and F3.

Oakes, who replaces Bruno Famin, will take charge of Alpine from the Dutch Grand Prix onwards following the upcoming summer break.

Briatore, who only recently joined Alpine in his newly created role, said of Oakes that he is "highly talented with a great record of leadership and success in racing".

Briatore added: "His move into this role is a great example of the strength and belief we have in our team and by young, upcoming people, and I’m excited to work closely with him with a joint focus on moving up the grid and winning races.”

Oakes confident of success

Oakes is tasked with leading Alpine "back to competitiveness" following a lean run of results, notably this season as it languishes in eighth place in the constructors' standings.

He added: "The team has talented people and excellent resources at its core, and I am confident that we can accomplish a great deal together during the remainder of this season and the longer term. I look forward to getting started after the summer break.”

Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo feels the appointment of Oakes highlights the fact Alpine is "being built for future success".

He added: "We look forward to harnessing his enthusiasm, energy and passion for racing and realising that mindset across the entire team.”