JUNE 17, 2008

Renault and Toso part ways

Renault announced the departure of Director of Aerodynamic Technology Dino Toso from the team today. Toso has spent the last eight years with the team working in the aerodynamics department.

Renault announced the departure of Director of Aerodynamic Technology Dino Toso from the team today. Toso has spent the last eight years with the team working in the aerodynamics department.

"I would like to thank Flavio Briatore and Bob Bell for their professional and personal support throughout my time with the Renault F1 Team, during which we have enjoyed great success together".

Toso joined Renault in 2000 after working for Jordan Grand Prix. While at Jordan he played a part in Damon Hill's 1998 win at Spa working as Hill's race engineer.

At the end of 2003 Renault's chief aerodynamicist John Iley departed to join Ferrari and Toso was promoted to the role. Not long afterwards he was diagnosed with cancer but he continued to work while undergoing treatment and in 2005 and 2006 the team won both the Drivers' and the Constructors' titles.

Renault made no mention of Toso's health in the press release announcing his departure. Toso's responsibilities for leading the aerodynamics department have been taken over by Dirk de Beer.