Dino Toso, former Renault F1 director of aerodynamics, has died. Toso, aged 39, had been diagnosed with cancer in 2004 however continued to work throughout his treatment, including helping the team on their way to the 2005 and 2006 drivers’ and constructors’ championships. Toso left his position at

Renault’s chief of aerodynamics, Dino Toso, has left the team after eight years. Toso’s departure was already announced in April, and as previously confirmed, Dirk de Beer has taken over all of Toso’s responsibilities.

Toso has been in charge of Renault’s aerodynamics since 2003 and was a key part of the team’s drivers’ and constructors’ championship wins in 2005 and 2006.

Renault have made some slight tweaks to their technical department – Dirk de Beer, the current head of aerodynamics, has taken over from Dino Toso as director of aerodynamic technology. It is understood that Toso will remain as an employee of the Renault team, although it is currently unclear as to what position he will move to.

Despite a poor start to the season, Renault are confident that they will become more competitive at Magny-Cours. Renault have scored as many points in the last two races in Canada and America as third-placed BMW-Sauber. Engineering boss Pat Symonds believes that this trend is positive for his team.