Gilles Simon (Formula One)

Gilles Simon
File:Podio.jpg Simon (between Fernando Alonso and Kimi Räikkönen) on the podium of the 2007 British Grand Prix.
Born	June 14, 1958 Oujda, Morocco
Nationality	French
Occupation	Head of the Ferrari Formula One team's Engine Department, 2007-2009 Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile advisor (2010)

Gilles Simon (born June 14, 1958 in Oujda, Morocco) is the French former head of the Ferrari Formula One team's Engine Department from 2006 to 2009. He is set to join the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) as part of a working group to investigate new energies and environmentally friendly technology.

Career

Simon studied at the École des Mines, one of France's top engineering schools. He graduated in 1984 and joined the Renault team, where he worked in R&D for four years. He was then hired by Peugeot and worked on the marque's V10 engine, which would ultimately achieve success in their Le Mans effort in the early 1990s.

In 1993, Simon followed compatriot Jean Todt to Ferrari, assisting Paolo Martinelli in the Engine and Electronics Department. Following the Italian's move to an executive role within Fiat, Simon took over as head of the department in October 2006. Simon left his position in October 2009, and was replaced by Luca Marmorini.

In December 2009, FIA President Jean Todt revealed that Simon is to join a working group to investigate new energies and environmentally friendly technology in motorsport.

In July 2011, Simon left his FIA role to join Propulsion Universelle et Recuperation d'Energie (PURE), a new F1 engine supplier which aimed to enter the sport in 2014.

References

• Who is Gilles Simon? Grandprix.com article, retrieved October 28, 2006.