Paolo Martinelli (engineer)

For the Italian lightweight rower, see Paolo Martinelli (rower). For Italian Catholic Bishop, see Paolo Martinelli (bishop).

Paolo Martinelli (born 29 September 1952 in Modena, Italy) is an Italian engineer best known for his position as head of Scuderia Ferrari's Engine Department from 1994 to 2006.

Paolo Martinelli
Born	(1952-09-29) 29 September 1952 (age 71)
Nationality	Italian

Career

Martinelli studied mechanical engineering at Bologna University, graduating in 1978. He joined Ferrari immediately, at first working on engine design for the company's production cars.

In 1994 he was appointed head of the Formula One team's Engine Department, where he decided to ditch the commitment to running V12 engines in favour of V10s. The first V10-powered Ferrari raced in 1996, and the team used this configuration to win five Drivers' and six Constructors' Championships before rules were brought in stipulating the use of V8s for 2006. Martinelli's favorite race was the 2000 Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka which Michael Schumacher won in a Ferrari.^[1]

In October 2006, Martinelli moved to an executive role within Fiat, Ferrari's parent company.^[2] His position in Ferrari was taken over by Gilles Simon.^[3]

References

1. Maserati’s Paolo Martinelli on engine design and racing (August 2013)
2. Ferrari dream team steps aside Ansa.it article^{[permanent dead link]}, retrieved 27 October 2006.
3. Who is Gilles Simon? Grandprix.com article, retrieved 27 October 2006.

External links

• Profile at Grandprix.com, retrieved 27 October 2006.