In light of Pierre Dupasquier’s forthcoming retirement in
2006, and "wishing to ensure maximum levels of continuity and efficiency" following his departure, Groupe Michelin has made a number of changes to its motorsport organization.
Frédéric Henry-Biabaud, who joined the motorsport group at the beginning of 2003 as deputy director, will replace Pierre Dupasquier as director of motorsport at the end of the 2005 season.
Also, the motorsport group will be set up as follows:
* Rallying, headed by Aimé Chatard.
* Motorcycling, headed by Nicolas Goubert.
* Endurance Racing, headed by Matthieu Bonardel.
* Rally Raids, headed by Aimé Chatard.
* Formula One.
The Formula One department´s Pascal Vasselon has been promoted to a new position in North America following 10 years in the motorsport group; he will begin his new functions in April 2005. Nick Shorrock will take over the responsibility of the Formula One department from January 2005, with Patrick Cohen assisting him as technical manager.
Nick Shorrock will be responsible for Formula One operations, the performance of the Formula One department, and, in particular, relations with Michelin´s partner teams. In addition, he will be responsible for promoting the company’s position concerning the evolution of future tire regulations, "a key factor in Michelin´s participation in Formula One," according to the company.
Shorrock has experience in managing international teams within Michelin in the United Kingdom, Japan and France.
Cohen has vast experience within Groupe Michelin’s Technology Centre. He job requirements include helping forge even closer links between the innovations made in Formula One and the other activities of the Technology Centre.
"I am very happy to see that we are putting teams into place early enough to whom I can pass the torch, therefore guaranteeing the quality of service that we owe all our partners and the continuity of Michelin in racing," says Dupasquier.
