Former Renault and Alpine engineer Pierre Genon has joined the Haas Formula 1 team as its Toyota project manager.
The Belgian will in effect be the liaison between the UK-based team and the Toyota Gazoo Racing operation in Cologne following the announcement of their technical collaboration late last year.
Genon went to Enstone in 2012 as the head of vehicle performance group at what was then the Lotus team, prior to its return to Renault identity.
He became the team’s head of performance systems group in 2014, and maintained the same role into the Alpine era, until going onto gardening leave last year.
Previously he worked for Prodrive’s Subaru WRC team, and on the Peugeot LMP1 programme, which included a Le Mans win in 2009.
“I am extremely excited to finally join Moneygram Haas F1 team this coming week as Toyota project manager, with the key accountability to drive the collaboration between Haas F1 and Toyota Gazoo Racing,” he said.
“I have everything to learn about the team, the project, and the partner, and the state-of-charge is at 100% for a challenge which will be quite different from the previous one.
“I am eager to meet my new team mates and to contribute to the next steps in the progress of the team via this new project.”
Genon also paid tribute to his former colleagues at Alpine, including the PU personnel whose F1 role ends this season.
“A big thank you to all those I had the pleasure of working with in the past 12 years, whether they are still there, or have moved on. Thank you for the support, the collaboration… And the laughs.
“I also spare a thought for Viry-Chatillon where I always felt very welcome. There are many good people there and so much heritage. For those wishing to continue in top level motorsport, I hope that you find what you want.
“I have no doubt that Enstone is also still full of talent and will provide fierce competition in my next adventure.”
Adam Cooper F1 