P.U.R.E Corporation has recruited former-FIA director of Technical and Powertrain, Gilles Simon to join the new upstart engine supplier.
P.U.R.E are developing a new V6 engine to compete in Formula 1 when the new engine regulations come into force in 2014.
Simon will become technical director at P.U.R.E and will bring with him a wealth of knowledge having worked at Ferrari as head of the engine and electronics department before joining the FIA.
Craig Pollock, Chief Executive of P.U.R.E., noted the signing as another major step forward in P.U.R.E’s environmentally friendly F1 engine programme.
“This appointment marks another key milestone in the development of P.U.R.E. With Gilles Simon on board we have an exceptional and proven powertrain designer who has been instrumental in driving an environmentally friendly agenda into F1.”
Simon added: “Making F1 more environmentally friendly is a personal goal of mine. The 2014 powertrain regulations mark the biggest change in this area of F1 for a generation. This opportunity to develop the P.U.R.E powertrain is a fantastic challenge and allows me to go to back to my passion – designing engines.”
FIA president, Jean Todt, with who Simon worked with closely, wished his former colleague all the best.
“Gilles leaves the FIA with my thanks and best wishes. We have worked together on a variety of projects over many years, at Peugeot, Ferrari and at the FIA, and I know how much of his life has been devoted to his love of designing powetrains.
“After a very fruitful 18-month period at the FIA where he has been able to leave a significant legacy in the 2014 powertrain regulations, Gilles has been offered an opportunity at P.U.R.E. that will enable him to make a substantial contribution to a new era in F1. I wish him a successful future.”
