Former chief mechanic to Max Verstappen at Red Bull, Lee Stevenson, has landed a significant new role with Formula 1 new boys Audi.
Stevenson, who worked closely with the Dutchman, moved to Sauber two years ago, as preparations began to transition into the German marque‘s works entry.
Alongside fellow ex-Red Bull man and Audi Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley, Stevenson has been chief mechanic at the Hinwil-based squad in that time.
But with wheels very much in motion in terms of preparations for its F1 bow, Audi has made the decision to promote Stevenson to Team Manager.
Audi will benefit from a large degree of continuity, as much of the key personnel is set to remain with the team amid the long-awaited identity shift.
Audi has had a busy week so far, and will continue to be with a shakedown planned for Friday
It has been a busy week already for Audi, with the announcement on Wednesday that it fired up the engine that will power its R26 challenger for the first time on December 19.
The team will also unveil the R26 in Berlin on January 20, before the first official pre-season test the following week, which takes place at the Circuit de-Barcelona Catalunya.
But before that, hectic schedule this week is set to continue, as it is reportedly utilising some of its allocated filming days per the F1 rules to perform a shakedown at the same circuit on Friday.
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