Stairway to heaven

Peter Bayer is the FIA’s Secretary-General – Sport and takes the time to explain to Racecar the opportunities created by the governing body for young engineers

- ANDREW COTTON

Motor racing has undergone a dramatic change in the past two decades. Breeding grounds for young engineering talent such as Lola and Reynard have closed in the UK, racecar builders such as Van Diemen have been soaked up by larger companies while, at the other end of the spectrum, motor manufacturers are unsure as to what will be the next propulsion fuel, and are therefore cautious about making an investment in any race series, particularly one featuring immature technology such as hydrogen or electric.

In the feeder formulae, standardised parts reduce the variety of component suppliers, while long homologation periods for top-level cars has rather limited the options. Unsuccessful applicants for a tender are locked out for years, rather than being given the opportunity to develop something better and go back to the market.

For a young engineer looking to start a career in motor racing, the market is certainly different to how it was at the turn of the century. Some would argue the companies that receive applications are more robust and able to employ, while others argue that variety is key to the future of racing.

Even a job opportunity at a race team has limited options. Previously, an engineer might have access to a variety of areas within a race team, whereas now specialist knowledge is far more attractive. Such large teams that exist in Formula 1 mean the option to work on multiple parts of the car is a thing of the past.

Under the presidency of Jean Todt, now nearing the end of its final term, the FIA’s push for the highest possible technology in international motorsport has increased pressure on manufacturers, teams, and suppliers to target their racing programs towards a predefined goal.

Employment opportunity