Manor Marussia F1 Team has today announced the appointment of some key technical staff as the team continues to rebuild following its near-collapse over the winter.
Many of Marussia’s assets were lost when the company entered administration following last year’s Russian Grand Prix, but the operation was saved thanks to fresh investment over the winter and rebranded as Manor.
On Monday, the team confirmed the arrivals of Luca Furbatto, Gianluca Pisanello and Bob Bell to the team as part of its ongoing revival and renewal in 2015.
Furbatto arrives at Manor in the role of head of design following stints in a similar role with Toro Rosso and McLaren, whilst Pisanello last worked at Caterham as head of engineering before the collapse of the team at the end of 2014.
Bob Bell is perhaps the most high-profile arrival, having last worked with Mercedes as a technical director. The Briton also played a big role in Renault’s world titles in 2005 and 2006, and has spent time with McLaren, Benetton and Jordan. He will act as a technical consultant for Manor.
“We’re delighted to welcome Bob, Luca, and Gianluca to the team,” team principal John Booth said. “It’s been a dramatic but rewarding start to our 2015 season, and we’re only now able to settle into more of a rhythm, allowing us to look to the future.
“Our focus this season is to re-build the foundations of the team and develop our internal capabilities. As ever in Formula One, we rely on the experience, tenacity and drive of our colleagues, so we’re delighted to welcome our new teammates.
“Each of them brings a huge amount of experience from within the sport, adding further dimensions to our existing technical and engineering capability.
“Whilst we seek to optimise our performance during the remainder of the 2015 season, we can also turn our attention to the next exciting chapter in our story – 2016 and beyond.”
