Skilled energy unit engineer Meignan will return to France after a four-year spell at Mercedes HPP in Brixworth, adopted by a barely shorter stint at Ferrari, the place he acted as Head of Division at each outfits.
He’ll now head the Alpine F1 group’s engine division in Viry-Chatillon because the group prepares for 2026’s wide-ranging energy unit rule adjustments.
Alpine is known to be missing in engine efficiency in comparison with its rival producers, and as such its motorsport chief and interim group boss Famin was assured Meignan would carry contemporary concepts to Viry.
“We’re very completely happy to welcome Eric in Viry and I believe he’ll carry lots as a result of he is an skilled man in Components 1 and I believe he’ll problem our group,” Famin mentioned.
“He is coming on the proper time to problem our guys to raised put together the 2026 energy unit era.
“I am very assured that he’ll do an excellent job with all the fellows in Viry, he has began already and I believe he’ll in a short time be operational.”
Picture by: Filip Cleeren
Alpine A523 element
The appointment must also assist liberate Famin, who’s an engine skilled himself.
The Frenchman has taken on further roles because the dismissal of group boss Otmar Szafnauer in the summertime, together with that of interim group principal, as he splits his time between Viry in France and Alpine’s chassis division in Enstone within the UK.
“I’ve quite a bit to deal with and it will likely be a robust help on the technical aspect,” he added. “We’ve had good technical guys in Viry already, however I believe to have a full-time on-site technical director will actually assist all people.”
Earlier this 12 months Alpine claimed its Renault engines have been missing as much as 30bhp in comparison with the facility items from Mercedes, Ferrari and Honda.
With F1’s engine efficiency frozen, Alpine hoped to search out help for engine equalisation measures, however each Mercedes and Ferrari felt Alpine’s engine deficit claims have been overblown and due to this fact not value particular dispensation.
From 2026 producers will begin with a clear slate when the brand new rules come into drive, eliminating the complicated and costly MGU-H system, and goal for a 50/50 cut up between electrical energy from a beefed up MGU-Okay and a sustainable gasoline powered V6 turbo engine.