Mercedes hires Bell as new technical director

Mercedes GP has hired Bob Bell, who helped Fernando Alonso to his two world championship titles, as the Formula One team's new technical director.

Bell has spent the last 10 years at Renault in the same position, helping Alonso to his successes in 2005 and '06, before leaving the team in October.

Bell, who has also worked at McLaren, Benetton and Jordan, will begin working with Mercedes from April 1.

Team principal Ross Brawn says "we are pleased to have recruited one of the most experienced engineers in the sport. He will be an important asset, bringing with him a wealth of Formula One knowledge and championship-winning experience."