P.U.R.E. Corporation, which is aiming to enter F1 as an engine supplier, has secured the services of Gilles Simon as its technical director from 1 August 2011.

As part of a series of major developments for the engineering company, Simon leaves his post as the FIA's director, technical and powertrain, and joins P.U.R.E. which will intends to supply teams with powertrains from the 2014 season when new engine regulations come into force.

Before the FIA, Simon enjoyed an exceptional career at Ferrari. From 2006-2009 he was head of the engine and electronics department; his other roles at Ferrari included engine project manager (1994-1997) and head of engine development (1997-2006) - both under the mentorship of the renowned Paolo Martinelli. During his tenure the team won six drivers' and eight constructors' FIA F1 World Championships.

After graduating with a PhD from l'Ecole des Mines in 1984, Gilles held positions at Renault in Research and Development and Peugeot, where he developed the V10 engine for the successful World Sportscar Championship, with the team achieving a 1-2-3 at Le Mans in 1993 and winning in 1992.

P.U.R.E. was launched in May 2011 with the aim of developing high performance environmentally responsible powertrains, using F1 as the proving ground. The company was established by Chief Executive Craig Pollock, previously founding partner and team principal of B.A.R.

"This appointment marks another key milestone in the development of P.U.R.E," said Pollock. "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."

"Making F1 more environmentally friendly is a personal goal of mine," added Simon. "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."

"Gilles leaves the FIA with my thanks and best wishes," said Jean Todt. "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."