James Allison becomes the technical director of FOTA
In addition to his position as technical director of the Lotus Renault GP team.
James Allison, technical director of the Lotus Renault GP team, has become the new technical director of the FOTA’s technical working group. This position was held by Aldo Costa (Ferrari) since the beginning of the year, and FOTA had been looking for a replacement for a few weeks since Costa had been relieved of his duties at Scuderia. A vote took place to designate the person who would occupy this position, and Allison was unanimously elected.
« It’s rather impressive. My predecessors in this position have set high standards, and it’s important to accomplish this task correctly, » he stated on the official website of the team Lotus Renault GP.
« The Technical Working Group utilizes the technical expertise of the teams to contribute to the future of F1, in the medium and long term. As president, my job is to lead the Group’s meetings in an organized manner. I also hope to continue the work of my predecessors by working towards a constructive relationship with the organization that makes the technical regulations for F1, the FIA’s Technical Working Group. »
If this involvement in the working group is going to give him new responsibilities, it does not mean he will give up his role at Enstone.
« The FOTA is an organization that always tries to act constructively in the interest of the sport. Participating in its actions takes a bit of time and energy, but everyone agrees that this commitment is worthwhile. Also, accepting this role does not significantly change the level of involvement required. All technical directors are part of the FOTA Technical Working Group. We all need to find the time to prepare for the meetings and attend them, » reassures Allison.
During meetings, it is indeed a common practice for technical directors to volunteer to use their free time or utilize their team’s resources to carry out a technical study. This work is shared equitably, but as president, I have the advantage of being assisted in the preparation of meetings by the very efficient FOTA secretary, Simone Perillo.
[According to Lotus Renault GP]
