Alan Permane returns to F1 with Visa Cash App RB: The team announces three major technical hires

Following the announcement of its new identity, Visa Cash App RB has officially confirmed the arrival of three men in technical and operational positions. They will be joining the Faenza team before and during the 2024 Formula 1 season.

Tim Goss, Technical Director

Tim Goss joins the team as Chief Technical Director. Formerly the Technical Director of the FIA, Tim Goss will officially join his new team in October, according to the statement. After 28 years at McLaren, climbing the ranks, he joined the FIA’s single-seater technical group in 2021 and became the Technical Director of the Federation in 2023, holding this position until January of this year.

“I am thrilled to join Visa Cash App RB at the beginning of its new era of competition,” said Tim Goss. “It is a team proud of its heritage, with exceptional individuals already in place, and I am looking forward to working with team principal Laurent Mekies and alongside technical director Jody Egginton. An exciting challenge awaits us, but I believe the team is well equipped to meet it.”

Guillaume Cattelani, Deputy Technical Director.

Tim Goss will be supported by Guillaume Cattelani, who will take on the role of assistant technical director. With over 15 years of experience in Formula 1 with Lotus, McLaren, and most recently Red Bull Technology, Cattelani will oversee the aerodynamics, vehicle performance, and technology aspects.

“It’s fantastic to have this opportunity to take the Visa Cash App RB team to the next level of competitiveness,” he expressed. “I’m really looking forward to working with Jody and all the other members of the technical team to create machines that advance the team and take us to the front of the grid.”

Alan Permane, race director

Finally, Alan Permane, one of the most experienced sporting directors in the paddock, will assume the position of race director with immediate effect. Permane has worked for the Renault group and then Alpine for over 34 years under all of its names. He left Alpine during the last season during the restructuring of the French team.

“After a few months off, it’s great to come back to competition with the Visa Cash App RB team,” commented Alan Permane. “From experience, I know how professional, determined, and competitive the people within this racing team are, and I’m excited to see where this spirit can take the team in the future.”

Speaking after these announcements, the CEO of Visa Cash App RB, Peter Bayer, stated: “These appointments represent a significant advancement for Visa Cash App RB. The appointments of Guillaume [Cattelani] and Alan [Permane] will enhance the skills in the design and development of our cars, as well as performance on the track. Then, with Tim [Goss] joining in October, we will have established the key elements of a structure designed to take us to the next phase of our journey and ensure long-term success for the team.”

Laurent Mekies, director of the Italian team, added: « The appointments of Tim, Guillaume, and Alan bring a considerable amount of winning expertise to the team, and I have no doubt that they will help the team take it to the next level in F1. We already have a very strong and highly experienced group within the team, and the arrival of highly qualified individuals like Tim, Guillaume, and Alan will further enhance our capability and help us achieve the highest technical standards within the Visa Cash App RB F1 Team, both at the factory and on the track. »

Finally, Jody Egginton, current technical director of the Faenza team, concluded: “I am really excited to work with Tim and Guillaume. In the months to come, Guillaume’s focus on aerodynamics and vehicle dynamics will allow us to fine-tune and develop this year’s car and add capabilities for the future, while Tim’s arrival will absolutely give us the structure we need to create cars that will further elevate the team’s performance in the years to come.”