Feb.18 (GMM) Renault's former team boss and technical director Bob Bell has re-emerged at Mercedes.

As Renault changed hands and Eric Boullier took over in charge, Ulsterman Bell was left without a role.

"Bob did a good job and I've no idea what will happen," said Norbert Haug last October amid speculation Bell could be snapped up by Brackley based Mercedes.

The German team announced on Friday that he will become technical director on 1 April.

A statement said Bell's role "will primarily be based at the team's factory" with "overall responsibility for the technical operations of the chassis group".

Mercedes said the appointment will give Brawn "greater freedom" to oversee the relationship between the chassis and engine groups in Brackley and Brixworth.

"We are pleased to have recruited one of the most experienced engineers in the sport," said Brawn.

Bell joined McLaren as an aerodynamicist in the 80s before switching to Enstone based Benetton in 1997.

He moved to Jordan in 1999 and returned to Benetton ? now Renault ? in 2001 as deputy technical director, becoming technical director to replace Mike Gascoyne in 2003.

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