Trackside Operations Director Alan Permane has 23 years’ experience with the team.

In 1989 he joined Benetton as an Electronic Technician, moving to the race team for the 1992 season.

By 1996 he became assistant Race Engineer working with Pat Symonds on Jean Alesi’s car and the following year he was Alesi’s Race Engineer. For 1998 – 2001 he held that position for Giancarlo Fisichella, moving to Jarno Trulli for the 2002-2004 seasons. In 2005-6 he was back with Fisichella as Race Engineer.

For 2007 – 2011 Alan became the team’s Chief Race Engineer, appointed to his current position of Trackside Operations Director part way through the 2011 season.

What’s the best looking F1 car?

That’s not an easy one I would share it between the McLaren MP4/5 and the Renault R25

Best car you’ve ever worked on?

Renault R25 – this was a fantastic car. Very easy to setup, predictable and quick. The drivers loved it.

Best racing memory?

Winning the constructors championship in Suzuka 1995 with Benetton.

Favourite track?

That’s an easy one – Monaco, it’s head and shoulders above the others in terms of setup challenges, driver input and atmosphere