Telling comment from Permane: 'Should ask new Alpine team boss'

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30 July 2023 at 11:05
Last update 30 July 2023 at 11:29
  • Toby McLuskie

Alan Permane is entering his last weekend of service at Alpine. The French team's sporting director has been thanked by top management for services rendered after 34 active years and so the marriage is suddenly coming to an end. Permane hinted that it was not his own choice to leave.

This is striking and at the same time, it is not. Alpine announced in the press release that the contract has been terminated by mutual agreement. For Otmar Szafnauer, this also applies a little, as the team boss said he had no desire to stay longer with unrealistically high targets.

Permane baulks at leaving

But what about Permane? "I think that's one for Bruno, you should ask Bruno about that one," is all the Frenchman would say about it for Viaplay's camera. Bruno Famin has been appointed interim team boss by Alpine. Current Alpine Academy director Julian Rouse has been appointed interim sporting director.

That it will end after the Belgian Grand Prix is a pity for Permane. "It's sad, of course, and to leave in the middle of the season is not nice, but that's the way things are, and I will take some holidays and hopefully come back stronger next year somewhere," he seems to be referring to a possible return somewhere in Formula 1.