Vincent Gaillardot, an experienced veteran in the world of motorsport, made his mark in Formula E over a decade ago. Recently, he stepped away from the competitive side of the sport, leaving Nissan to take on a technical role at the FIA. In this new position, Gaillardot will play a central role in shaping the Gen4 era of the championship in the coming years. His vast experience and connections within the industry have earned him significant influence among technical directors, rival team bosses, and former team principals, including Allan McNish, with whom Gaillardot previously worked at the DAMS F3000 team in 1990.
Gaillardot’s interest in Formula E was sparked when Renault got involved in developing the initial technical package for the first season in 2014-15. As head of the electrical department at Renault Sport at the time, Gaillardot played a crucial role in collaborating with the FIA, Spark Racing Technologies (chassis supplier), and Formula E to build the powertrain for the inaugural season. Although McLaren Applied Technologies provided most of the powertrain, Renault Sport had an overall vision for the technical roadmap. Gaillardot’s experience in electrical engineering, particularly in the development of the Formula 1 ERS system, made him well-suited for this project.
The first days of Formula E presented numerous challenges, but Gaillardot and his team at Renault revolutionized the sport. Their innovative approach led to the success of the Renault e.dams team with a Renault engine, with Sebastien Buemi winning the first race of the 2015-16 season in Beijing. The total commitment of Alain Prost, along with the support of Jean-Paul Driot and Jerome Stoll, strengthened Renault’s involvement in Formula E. Gaillardot’s team focused on developing efficient solutions for the powertrain, which proved to be as technically demanding as maximizing power in Formula 1 engines.
The 2018-19 season was a crucial moment for Gaillardot and the e.dams team. They faced technical challenges, controversies, and the tragic loss of Jean-Paul Driot, but also celebrated victories. Renault and Nissan decided to switch brand identities for the second set of Formula E rules, and Gaillardot led the technical pack. His team designed a two-engine system that effectively managed electrical storage, although the exact details of its operation were not publicly confirmed. This innovative solution led to five pole positions for the drivers, but also raised concerns about its performance on certain street circuits. In the end, the system was banned for the following season due to pressure from other manufacturers.
Despite the challenges faced, Gaillardot reflects on the progress made in Formula E and the potential it holds. He recently took on a new role at the FIA, where he will lead the technical team of Formula E in future projects, including the highly anticipated Gen4 era. This marks a significant transition for Gaillardot, as he steps away from competitive motorsport for the first time in over three and a half decades. While he misses the thrill of competition, he believes that his vast experience and knowledge will contribute to the growth and development of the series in his new role at the FIA.
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The world of sports is full of excitement and surprises, and this year has been no different. From the beginning of the season, fans have been treated to thrilling games and unforgettable moments. In this article, we will take a look at some of the most notable highlights so far.
In football, we have seen some incredible matches. Teams like Real Madrid and Barcelona have been playing at a high level, with players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi leading the way. Other teams have also stood out, such as Bayern Munich and Manchester City. National and international competitions have been intense, with many games decided in the final minutes.
In basketball, the NBA has been the stage for great games and intense rivalries. Teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and the Brooklyn Nets have shown their talent and dominance on the courts. Players like LeBron James and Kevin Durant have been standout performers, showing why they are considered some of the best in the world. The playoffs promise to be exciting, with teams fighting for the title.
In tennis, big names like Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Serena Williams continue to shine. They have shown their skill and determination in every match, providing exciting moments for fans. The Grand Slams have been highly competitive, with epic games and surprises along the way.
Furthermore, sports like motorsport, golf, and swimming have also had their moments in the spotlight. Drivers like Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have competed in thrilling races, while golfers like Tiger Woods and Brooks Koepka have shown their mastery on the course. In swimming, athletes like Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky have broken records and impressed everyone with their talent.
In summary, the world of sports continues to surprise us with its excitement and competitiveness. With big names and unforgettable moments, fans have a lot to look forward to in the coming months. No matter what your favorite sport is, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So, get ready to be thrilled and cheer for your favorite teams and athletes. The best is yet to come!
