Latest news with #Benetton
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Alan Permane on leading Racing Bulls: 'Some shock, some pride' but 'relishing the challenge'
racing director and paddock veteran Alan Permane to fill the role as team principal, overseeing the Anglo-Italian squad's 700 staff across Milton Keynes in the UK and Faenza in Italy. From its Benetton guise through Renault, Lotus and Alpine, Permane was a stalwart at team Enstone as an engineer and sporting director, before leaving the team exactly two years ago. He was then snapped up by Racing Bulls in January 2024 as its new racing director, adding his three-decade experience to a squad commissioned by Red Bull to forge its own identity and vie for the top of the midfield. Alan Permane, Racing Director RB F1 Team, Laurent Mekies, Team Principal, RB F1 Team Having been involved in the series since 1989, 58-year-old Permane has seen it all, but becoming a team principal was not on his horizon and took him by surprise. "I had many reactions to the news, some shock, some pride," Permane told in an exclusive interview. "It's amazing that they feel I'm capable and have the potential to lead this team. I deeply thank the Red Bull Austria senior management, Oliver Mintzlaff and Helmut Marko, and, of course, Laurent for recommending me, pushing me forward, his belief in me as well. It's been a great week." 'The target is to be top of the midfield, and we are certainly in a battle for that and we'll continue that fight throughout this year.' Permane has had just two weeks to get his feet under his new desk before heading to this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix, but he feels that the solid structure that Mekies and team CEO Peter Bayer have put in place, which has allowed the team to become a more competitive midfield force, means he doesn't need to reinvent the wheel either. "Well, the plan of action is to keep things as they are," he pointed out. "Laurent and Peter have done a fantastic job with this team over the last 18 months, leading to a surge in competitiveness. And my plan is to keep that running, keep the team on the same trajectory as it's been on. "It's a great team and I know that the senior Red Bull guys are extremely happy with the way the team is being run. They're very happy with our competitiveness. The target is to be top of the midfield, and we are certainly in a battle for that and we'll continue that fight throughout this year. "From my side, it's certainly going to mean some more travel. I'm predominantly based in Milton Keynes. In my previous role as racing director, I did spend some time in Italy, but it will no doubt mean I will split my time between the two sites. Probably a little bit more on the Faenza side, where that larger part of the team is." A serious challenge ahead Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls Team Permane feels his extensive experience as a sporting director has given him a solid background to slot into the top job, though he is not underestimating the challenge of going from leading a trackside team to sitting at the top of two factories housing over 700 staff. "I think sporting director gives you a decent grounding," he explained. "It's a much bigger role, of course. As a sporting director, you manage a group of 60 or 70 people. You sit on FIA committees. You work with the FIA, with stewards, with penalties and protests and things like that. So, you have a very good grounding and basis to take this job on, but it's of course a much bigger role. "There will be many things that are new, but I'm very ready to take it on and then I'm confident I'll do a good job." Racing Bulls will not appoint a direct replacement for the role of racing director for the time being. Instead, chief race engineer Mattia Spini will be taking on additional duties. "At the moment we won't fill it. We won't change things immediately," Permane explained. "Mattia will step up, and he's an excellent chief race engineer, and he's keen to do more, and he certainly has the capability to do more. Inevitably, I will be involved a bit more in that side of the business than Laurent was, certainly at the start, just making sure that that transition is as smooth as it can be. But I don't have any worries on that side. The track side team between Milton Keynes and Faenza is very strong." Paddock support In response to the news, Sauber chief Jonathan Wheatley posted a picture of him and Permane toasting with a glass of champagne in the Benetton garage as they celebrated their 1995 title success with Michael Schumacher. Permane and Wheatley became close friends during their time at the team, and in a stroke of serendipity they will now compete against each other as two of F1's 11 team principals. "We've grown up together," Permane said. "We both worked on Michael's car. In those days I was an electronics engineer, Jonathan was number two mechanic. And that's where our friendship started. We worked together for many years, Benetton, then Renault, and then of course he's moved on to Red Bull and now to Audi." Asked if he ever harboured any team boss ambitions like Wheatley, who left Red Bull to take the Sauber gig, he replied: "Honestly, no. I've been much more of a technical or a sporting guy. "But now it's happened, I'm relishing it. It's going to be a great challenge for me and I'm really looking forward to it." Read Also: 'Stroke of genius' set Racing Bulls up for season-best result at F1 Monaco GP Laurent Mekies handed Red Bull priority warning amid Max Verstappen exit rumours Laurent Mekies admits it feels "unreal" to see Red Bull F1 team without Christian Horner Who is Red Bull F1 team's new CEO Laurent Mekies? To read more articles visit our website.
Sydney Morning Herald
23-07-2025
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
Reds eye global takeover, spurred by former Wallaby's daring US move
Queensland Rugby Union chief executive Dave Hanham has outlined visions of taking the Reds' brand worldwide, and a former Wallabies star's daring NFL dream could hold the key to realising them. Fresh off announcing a partnership with Italian giants Benetton, Hanham revealed bold moves had been discussed to take the club to the United States, where past Reds sensation Jordan Petaia is plotting an American takeover. Petaia left Rugby Australia, even with the British and Irish Lions tour in sight, to take part in the NFL's International Player Pathway program, earning a contract with the Los Angeles Chargers in the process. When asked if the 25-year-old's bold move got the wheels turning to potentially leverage that connection, Hanham replied 'definitely'. 'We're very proud of Jordie's progression into the NFL. Not that we want to be losing a lot of players to the NFL, but at the same time, that's a massive drawcard, and we were part of that,' he said. 'Jordie's obviously still very fond of the Reds and Super Rugby back here, so who knows what that could turn into down the track? 'The amount of talent over in the US is very attractive. They've got a strong presence in [rugby] sevens, so if we're front and centre with opportunities over there, who knows what that could turn into? 'The US is definitely an opportunity to establish a strategic relationship.' While the NRL has sought to infiltrate the US market through its opening round in Las Vegas, opportunities for rugby union to forge a more collaborative partnership await. Loading Hanham confirmed the US would continue to be a market they would explore before the nation hosts the 2031 Rugby World Cup, and could, in time, feature a similar connection to that which has been created with Benetton. Josh Flook, Richie Asiata, Louis Werchon and John Bryant will leave this month for a three-month secondment in Italy, and Hanham sees the potential for similar exchanges of players and coaches with American rugby. The connection to Petaia could enhance those visions, as could the exposure opportunities to be gleaned from a major broadcast deal on ESPN secured by America's professional rugby competition, Major League Rugby. 'We were looking at an opportunity last year when the LA team played a game in Fiji. They were talking to us about potentially coming to participate in that, which we were open to – it would have been before we went to the UK,' Hanham said. 'I've met with a couple of the clubs over there who have spoken to us about their ambitions for the success of rugby heading into the World Cup '31. 'The opportunity may start in the form of a game or games, and that may end up in other opportunities down the track around the use of players and development opportunities both ways. 'It's a great market, with potential for growth. It's got the World Cup, which will see a significant rise in popularity of the game, and as a brand, we want to be connected to the growth of the game in different markets. 'If you're not there promoting your brand to a broader audience, you run the risk of being contained to your local market only, which is critical to have a strong local market, but we are a global game. 'You've got to put yourself on that stage if you want to be recognised as a team that's got the potential for growth.' Upon Petaia's signing with the Chargers, Reds coach Les Kiss suggested his old prodigy had the capacity to thrive in the NFL, and that moves into the US could create recruitment opportunities. 'I think in certain positions, yes. It wouldn't be right across – you wouldn't find any nines there – but you could certainly find the types of athletes with a power base,' Kiss said. 'Any opportunities you can get to broaden your reach and deepen your influence, why not tap into it? We're always searching for opportunities, whether it's in Europe or broader into the US market.' While the American dream is yet to come to fruition, the Reds have orchestrated a touring calendar that has proved to be a retention and recruitment goldmine. The club already has lasting ties with Japan through the Saitama Wild Knights, while there is the possibility of another Tonga clash being arranged this year, following last year's venture. The Reds also travelled to Ulster and Bristol in January, and Hanham said they were hopeful of securing another fixture when they embarked for Benetton in November 2026 – ideally in France. In turn, the club has extended the bulk of its team, which finished fifth this year. Loading Hanham said the goal of the Reds' global escapades was to develop a program featuring '25 to 26 quality games a year' to help build a 'sustainably successful football program and team that can win consistently'. He said given the Super Rugby Pacific season only ran for 16 rounds before finals, there was a 'high performance need' to fill a gap and ensure players remained engaged and committed. 'We want to be doing this for well over a decade because once we can do this consistently, that's going to help with a number of things for our football program,' Hanham said. 'The appeal in being part of the Reds now is you get to play in these international tour matches. It's starting to have a positive impact on player renegotiations and retention, and, in some cases, recruitment of players.
The Age
23-07-2025
- Business
- The Age
Reds eye global takeover, spurred by former Wallaby's daring US move
Queensland Rugby Union chief executive Dave Hanham has outlined visions of taking the Reds' brand worldwide, and a former Wallabies star's daring NFL dream could hold the key to realising them. Fresh off announcing a partnership with Italian giants Benetton, Hanham revealed bold moves had been discussed to take the club to the United States, where past Reds sensation Jordan Petaia is plotting an American takeover. Petaia left Rugby Australia, even with the British and Irish Lions tour in sight, to take part in the NFL's International Player Pathway program, earning a contract with the Los Angeles Chargers in the process. When asked if the 25-year-old's bold move got the wheels turning to potentially leverage that connection, Hanham replied 'definitely'. 'We're very proud of Jordie's progression into the NFL. Not that we want to be losing a lot of players to the NFL, but at the same time, that's a massive drawcard, and we were part of that,' he said. 'Jordie's obviously still very fond of the Reds and Super Rugby back here, so who knows what that could turn into down the track? 'The amount of talent over in the US is very attractive. They've got a strong presence in [rugby] sevens, so if we're front and centre with opportunities over there, who knows what that could turn into? 'The US is definitely an opportunity to establish a strategic relationship.' While the NRL has sought to infiltrate the US market through its opening round in Las Vegas, opportunities for rugby union to forge a more collaborative partnership await. Loading Hanham confirmed the US would continue to be a market they would explore before the nation hosts the 2031 Rugby World Cup, and could, in time, feature a similar connection to that which has been created with Benetton. Josh Flook, Richie Asiata, Louis Werchon and John Bryant will leave this month for a three-month secondment in Italy, and Hanham sees the potential for similar exchanges of players and coaches with American rugby. The connection to Petaia could enhance those visions, as could the exposure opportunities to be gleaned from a major broadcast deal on ESPN secured by America's professional rugby competition, Major League Rugby. 'We were looking at an opportunity last year when the LA team played a game in Fiji. They were talking to us about potentially coming to participate in that, which we were open to – it would have been before we went to the UK,' Hanham said. 'I've met with a couple of the clubs over there who have spoken to us about their ambitions for the success of rugby heading into the World Cup '31. 'The opportunity may start in the form of a game or games, and that may end up in other opportunities down the track around the use of players and development opportunities both ways. 'It's a great market, with potential for growth. It's got the World Cup, which will see a significant rise in popularity of the game, and as a brand, we want to be connected to the growth of the game in different markets. 'If you're not there promoting your brand to a broader audience, you run the risk of being contained to your local market only, which is critical to have a strong local market, but we are a global game. 'You've got to put yourself on that stage if you want to be recognised as a team that's got the potential for growth.' Upon Petaia's signing with the Chargers, Reds coach Les Kiss suggested his old prodigy had the capacity to thrive in the NFL, and that moves into the US could create recruitment opportunities. 'I think in certain positions, yes. It wouldn't be right across – you wouldn't find any nines there – but you could certainly find the types of athletes with a power base,' Kiss said. 'Any opportunities you can get to broaden your reach and deepen your influence, why not tap into it? We're always searching for opportunities, whether it's in Europe or broader into the US market.' While the American dream is yet to come to fruition, the Reds have orchestrated a touring calendar that has proved to be a retention and recruitment goldmine. The club already has lasting ties with Japan through the Saitama Wild Knights, while there is the possibility of another Tonga clash being arranged this year, following last year's venture. The Reds also travelled to Ulster and Bristol in January, and Hanham said they were hopeful of securing another fixture when they embarked for Benetton in November 2026 – ideally in France. In turn, the club has extended the bulk of its team, which finished fifth this year. Loading Hanham said the goal of the Reds' global escapades was to develop a program featuring '25 to 26 quality games a year' to help build a 'sustainably successful football program and team that can win consistently'. He said given the Super Rugby Pacific season only ran for 16 rounds before finals, there was a 'high performance need' to fill a gap and ensure players remained engaged and committed. 'We want to be doing this for well over a decade because once we can do this consistently, that's going to help with a number of things for our football program,' Hanham said. 'The appeal in being part of the Reds now is you get to play in these international tour matches. It's starting to have a positive impact on player renegotiations and retention, and, in some cases, recruitment of players.
Sydney Morning Herald
21-07-2025
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
How a Wallabies great forged a global union as Lynagh battle looms
Fresh off his maiden starting appearance in Wallabies colours in defeat to the British and Irish Lions, Tom Lynagh will be bracing for a future in which he is pitted against his brother. The Australian five-eighth's Super Rugby Pacific outfit, the Queensland Reds, have announced a groundbreaking partnership with Italian side Benetton – the club which the 22-year-old's older sibling, Louis Lynagh, currently plays for. Four Reds – Josh Flook, Richie Asiata, John Bryant and Louis Werchon – will leave in July for a three-month secondment, in which they will feature in Europe's United Rugby Championship. Queensland will travel to Treviso for the first time in November 2026 when they will face-off with Benetton, opening the door for the Lynagh boys to square off, after their father – Wallabies great Michael Lynagh – won trophies at each club. 'The connection was made through Michael Lynagh,' Reds general manager of high performance Sam Cordingley said. Loading 'Right from the start, we have felt a genuine will to create opportunities that can benefit two proud clubs and two strong brands.' Cordingley, and Benetton general manager of rugby Antonio Pavanello, launched discussions of the partnership in January as the Australian side took part in their European tour, in which they clashed with Bristol and Ulster. It followed contests with Wales, Tonga and Japanese franchise Saitama Wild Knights in 2024, while they also battled the Lions this month and hope to include another fixture on their Italy tour.
The Age
21-07-2025
- Sport
- The Age
How a Wallabies great forged a global union as Lynagh battle looms
Fresh off his maiden starting appearance in Wallabies colours in defeat to the British and Irish Lions, Tom Lynagh will be bracing for a future in which he is pitted against his brother. The Australian five-eighth's Super Rugby Pacific outfit, the Queensland Reds, have announced a groundbreaking partnership with Italian side Benetton – the club which the 22-year-old's older sibling, Louis Lynagh, currently plays for. Four Reds – Josh Flook, Richie Asiata, John Bryant and Louis Werchon – will leave in July for a three-month secondment, in which they will feature in Europe's United Rugby Championship. Queensland will travel to Treviso for the first time in November 2026 when they will face-off with Benetton, opening the door for the Lynagh boys to square off, after their father – Wallabies great Michael Lynagh – won trophies at each club. 'The connection was made through Michael Lynagh,' Reds general manager of high performance Sam Cordingley said. Loading 'Right from the start, we have felt a genuine will to create opportunities that can benefit two proud clubs and two strong brands.' Cordingley, and Benetton general manager of rugby Antonio Pavanello, launched discussions of the partnership in January as the Australian side took part in their European tour, in which they clashed with Bristol and Ulster. It followed contests with Wales, Tonga and Japanese franchise Saitama Wild Knights in 2024, while they also battled the Lions this month and hope to include another fixture on their Italy tour.
