Former Ferrari engine chief joins FIA

[xpensive]

Good Lord, a Ferrari man in charge of FIA's engine working group, what a surprise?

[Giblet]

Good Lord, a Ferrari man in charge of FIA's engine working group, what a surprise?

Todt is an expert manager, and he would know this persons talent intimately. What exactly is wrong with this? Better than a Cosworth man IMO.

Exactly what are you inferring? There are only 3 engine manufactures in the sport right now, until next season, when there are only 4.

[mx_tifoso]

Having gotten the boot from Ferrari his French pal offered him a job with the FIA. Congratulations right?

Or maybe Simon was just tired of these castrated V8's and might help with whats next and worse; rice burning four bangers.

[ESPImperium]

Good thing ill say for now. Maybes he will find a way of, or allowing the engines to run at 19,000rpm again for the V8s.

But maybe he will get the engines, especially for F1, sorted out.

A nice 1.9 litre, 650hp limited, 21,000rpm supercharged V6 with 20 seconds of turbo boost or KERS (KERS for those that can afford it, turbo for those who cant) every lap is on its way. With each each driver to have 6 engines and gearboxes per season. Ideal rule for 2013 onwards posibly.

But seriously, he is there to get engines, more or less equal, and cost even less.

[dumrick]

Regardless of where he comes from, I find it good to have more engineers rather than lawyers or managers in the FIA.

I really trust them more in terms of good judgement. But perhaps it is only profissional deformation.

[WhiteBlue]

Giles Simon should be a very capable person to sort out the engine and engine formula issues at the FIA. I wish him and his team success and a good time.

[mx_tifoso]

Does anyone have an idea as to what salary level someone with the experience and background like Simon earns?

[xpensive]

Giles Simon should be a very capable person to sort out the engine and engine formula issues at the FIA. I wish him and his team success and a good time.

Why, you know the guy? Either way, I'm sure he's proud of your support.

[WhiteBlue]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilles_Simon_(Formula_One)

With his degree from ecole de mines and work experience at Renault, Peugeot and Ferrari in Le Mans and F1 projects he looks like an experienced person. He has successfully directed the engine development at a Formula 1 world champion team and must have a good working relationship with Todt.

I have been concerned that the FIA will loose direction in terms of engine efficiency and cost control. With the appointment of Simon Todt has signaled that he is pushing a program. I like it.

[xpensive]

And Montezuma's making poorly disguised threats the very same day, a pure coinsidence of course.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/80687

[WhiteBlue]

We cannot accept huge gaps between drivers and the press and public. In the past the pits was full of good looking girls, now it's like a concentration camp.

Luca is in deep thinking mode there. He is clearly concerned for the future of F1.

Should we have such expensive tickets? Today a young boy with his girlfriend can fly around the world for less than attending the Monza GP in the best seats.

I just don't see how rambling in the press will fix this problem.

[tok-tokkie]

But seriously, he is there to get engines, more or less equal, and cost even less.

Todt to strive for 'greener' F1
Tuesday 29th December 2009

FIA president Jean Todt is determined to adopt more environmentally friendly technologies in Formula One, while at the same time continuing to cut costs.

Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems (KERS) were introduced on some cars for the 2009 season, but with the costs of creating a KERS system that was light enough to give an F1 car an advantage proving to be exorbitant, the system has been dropped for next season.

Despite the setback, Todt plans to stick to his guns and has established a committee to investigate new energies and more environmentally friendly technology for Formula One.

"I am convinced that we absolutely must reflect the environment with new technologies," Todt said in an interview with French newspaper Le Figaro.

"We must adapt to our time and review fundamentally motorsport, even create new disciplines.

"After giving up on KERS, we will accomplish nothing innovative next year. I'm sorry about that. I have therefore decided to create a working group...Gilles Simon, former boss at Ferrari engines, will join the FIA in this context," he added.

However, new technology will not mean higher costs, with Todt determined to further reduced costs.

"The F1 teams are sometimes blind and do not realise what is happening in the world," said the 63-year-old.

"But the racing has been struck as always by the [economic] crisis. F1 is too expensive, and my predecessor Max Mosley made great efforts to reduce costs, but it was not enough, especially as some teams were resistant.

"I am sad that Honda, BMW and Toyota are gone, but when you spend a lot and the results are not there, it's inevitable. On the other hand, it's great that new teams will be coming in. But the cost-saving measures already taken are not sufficient. I am against limiting regulatory budgets, but if we want to perpetuate F1, it takes a real awareness and fundamental decisions," he added.

Source = PlanetF1

[xpensive]

But seriously, he is there to get engines, more or less equal, and cost even less.

And if by chance, the Ferrari engine ends up as the most equal of all, it doesn't hurt, does it?

[axle]

He's heading eco development. That's more than just engines. KERS/HERS/engine configurations etc etc...

Every f****** day it's another Ferrari conspiracy, I want an ignore button.

[WhiteBlue]

I have my doubts that Simon is a Ferrari man. He replaced Marmorini who is now back to Ferrari from Toyota. Is Simon very likely to side with the team that fired him or with Todt who gave him a job in the first place? I believe both Todt and Simon will primarily look for the good of the sport and not for Ferrari's.