F1: Davide Brivio to Leave Alpine Racing; MotoGP Comeback with Repsol Honda on the Horizon?

The Alpine Formula 1 team has confirmed that Davide Brivio will be leaving at the end of the 2023 season. Brivio, who became the racing director for Alpine at the start of the 2021 season, played a crucial role in Suzuki's victory in the MotoGP world championship with Joan Mir in the previous year. This success was significant as it was the team's first championship victory in twenty years. Despite the fact that Brivio's current agreement with Alpine was extended into the following year, both parties have mutually decided to terminate it at the end of 2023. This move comes after recent rumours surfaced, as covered by Speedweek, that Brivio was being evaluated by Repsol Honda as a possible successor to Alberto Puig as team boss in MotoGP.

F1: Bruno Famin Praises Brivio's Contribution at Alpine

Brivio's exit is a part of a string of mid-season changes at Alpine, following the Belgian Grand Prix, which also saw the resignation of Sporting Director Alan Permane and Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer. 

After a three year collaboration, Alpine Racing will mutually part ways with Director of Racing Expansion Projects Davide Brivio at the end of 2023.#Alpine

— BWT Alpine F1 Team (@AlpineF1Team) December 12, 2023

Also Read: MotoGP Legend Valentino Rossi Upset as Gulf 12 Hours Win Slips Away

Bruno Famin, VP Motorsports Alpine Racing said: “Firstly, we would like to thank Davide for his hard work and commitment over the last three seasons. His experience in motorsports has been extremely valuable, especially in the development and progression of the Alpine Academy. Davide’s wish is to leave Alpine to pursue other opportunities and we have accepted his desire by mutually agreeing to part ways. We extend our best wishes to him in his next chapter of an already impressive career in motorsports.”

Davide Brivio said: “It has been a proud chapter in my motorsport career to be involved in Formula 1 with Alpine. I would like to thank Alpine for the opportunity to experience Formula 1 which was my desire and also for the chance to pass on some of my experience in motorsport onto its young drivers in the Alpine Academy.
in the future.”

Davide Brivio to Return in MotoGP?

Even though Davide Brivio had previously turned down a return to MotoGP in order to remain dedicated to Alpine's Formula 1 effort, his shocking exit from the series after three years was confirmed on Tuesday. Consequently, the ex-Suzuki manager is no longer employed by the company, and rumours have circulated that he may sign with Repsol Honda.

Reports that the Japanese manufacturer is undergoing a major shakeup after two unsuccessful seasons without Marc Marquez and that Brivio is in line to succeed current team leader Alberto Puig. This reorganisation started with the resignation of technical director Shinichi Kokubu. Brivio, it should be noted, has a wealth of experience managing Japanese brands. Before joining Formula 1, he successfully managed Joan Mir's 2020 MotoGP championship with Suzuki.

Also Read: MotoGP: Trackhouse Racing Enters 2024 Championship Grid, Replaces RNF Team

If the rumours are to be believed, Brivio would reunite with Mir, preparing for his second season with Repsol Honda, if he were to return to MotoGP.

Source