'Ex-Alpine stalwart lined up for possible F1 return with AlphaTauri'

Former Alpine sporting director Alan Permane is being lined up fora new role with the rebranded AlphaTauri squad in the 2024 Formula1 season, according to reports. Permane left Alpine in mid-2023after working for 34 years for the Enstone team in its variousguises, including during the Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonsochampionship-winning years. His departure was announced over theBelgian Grand Prix weekend, with then-Team Principal OtmarSzafnauer also departing, with Bruno Famin made interim team boss.With over three decades of experience in the paddock, Permane wasgoing to be a big capture for any team, once he was contractuallyavailable. Motorsport.com have now reported that the veteranengineer is set for a return to Grand Prix racing with AlphaTauri -as the team embarks on a new chapter following the departure ofFranz Tost as boss. After his departure was announced last summer,F1 team bosses were quick to praise Permane and his experience,with Toto Wolff describing him as "rock" of F1, with Red Bull'sChristian Horner believing he had earned "respect and recognition".For 2024, Laurent Mekies will become the new Team Principal of theFaenza-squad with former FIA Head of Single Seaters Peter Bayeralready in place as the new CEO. The team is also expected toundergo a re-brand from AlphaTauri - although the new name is yetto be confirmed.