Aston Martin make first of "many key appointments" in bid to hit front of F1 grid

Aston Martin has made the first of what it describes as "significant new hires" with the appointment of Luca Furbatto as engineering director in its bid to hit the front in F1.

Furbatto, most recently with Alfa Romeo as chief designer after spells with BAR, McLaren, Toro Rosso and Manor, will report to Andrew Green, who takes up a new role as chief technical officer with immediate effect.

The team claim Furbatto's remit will "stretch to both trackside and factory operations to enhance working processes and performance".

Team principal Otmar Szafnauer said: “As we continue to add weight to our technical team, we are hugely excited that Luca has chosen to join Aston Martin.

"Working with our existing engineering group, he will bring a valuable perspective and knowledge to help shape our approach in the short and medium-term.

"This appointment coincides with Andrew Green stepping up to a new role where he will take a global perspective on the company’s mid to long-term technical strategy.”

Green has described Furbatto as "an exceptionally talented engineer".

"He brings a vast amount of experience with him built up from more than two decades in the sport spent at several leading Formula 1 teams," added Green.

"This is the first of many key appointments we are making in line with our ambition to establish Aston Martin at the front of the grid.”

Furbatto believes the Aston Martin project "has all the ingredients for success – committed leadership, a talented workforce, and fresh investment in resources".

He added: "I am looking forward to playing my part in establishing this team at the very top of the sport.”

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