James Key becomes the new technical director at Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo have found their new technical director in James Key. The man who had to leave McLaren earlier this season will replace Jan Moncheaux. The Brit will join the team from 1 September.

At the beginning of the season, Key was still working at McLaren. The Woking-based team was not satisfied with the development of the car, so it was decided to replace the British technical director with David Sanchez, who came over from Ferrari.

It was announced on Wednesday morning that Key will become Alfa Romeo's technical director. He had previously worked for the Hinwil-based team, then called Sauber. The new technical director himself is very happy, he revealed in an Alfa Romeo press release: "I am delighted to be returning to Hinwil to work with old,and new, colleagues at Sauber; I have very fond memories of my time there before. I am looking forward to leading the technical side of theteam at one of the most critical junctures of its long history as we head towards a new and exciting future."

Team boss Andreas Seidl is also enthusiastic: "A The operation he will find has changed a lot since his time here, but the same drive, the same commitment that contributed to making the team successful in his previous experience are still the same: I am sure that, together with this very talented and committed team, we will be able to continue on the path of growth on which we have embarked. James’s appointment is a crucial step on this journey."