F1: Beyond The Grid
Mario Illien: powering F1 champions
Tue Jul 18 2023Description
Ilmore Engineering, co-founded by Mario Iliyan, has been a pioneer in engine technology for four decades. Their focus on lightweight, powerful, and efficient engines has led to innovations using exotic materials like beryllium and MMCs. Ilmore's journey started in IndyCar and expanded to Formula One with notable successes. Collaborations with McLaren and Mercedes brought further achievements, while continuous development and driver feedback played crucial roles. Recent projects include IndyCar engines for Honda and participation in the Peking to Paris classic car rally. Mario Iliyan reflects on the past 40 years and emphasizes the importance of efficiency in Formula One engines.
Insights
Ilmore Engineering: A Legacy of Innovation
Ilmore Engineering, co-founded by Mario Iliyan, has been at the forefront of engine technology for four decades. Their focus on lightweight, powerful, and efficient engines using exotic materials like beryllium and MMCs has led to significant performance gains.
From IndyCar to Formula One
Ilmore started as a joint venture by Mario Illien, Paul Morgan, and Roger Penske, entering the IndyCar market before making their mark in Formula One. Challenges were faced in building their factory and developing their first ND car engine.
Driver Feedback and Development
Drivers like Mika Hakkinen and Kimi Raikkonen played a crucial role in engine development, providing feedback on drivability and helping improve lap times. Understanding the driver's feelings and feedback was essential for optimizing engine performance.
Expansion and Achievements
Ilmor received interest from McLaren, Mercedes, and Porsche, indicating their growing reputation. They supplied Sauber in their first Formula One season and achieved great success with a push rod engine designed specifically for the Indy 500 race.
McLaren Partnership and Engine Development
Joining McLaren marked a turning point for Ilmor, with continuous engine development throughout the '97 season. The Bricsworth facility employed a significant workforce, producing a high number of Formula One engines per year.
Highlights, Challenges, and Future Endeavors
Winning championships and the Indy 594 program were highlights for Ilmor. Selling to Mercedes provided stability, allowing them to continue projects in various fields. Formula One engine technology has significantly improved efficiency over the years.
Recent Projects and Reflections
Ilmor has been involved in projects like IndyCar engines for Honda and marine division. The motorbike project faced challenges due to lack of funding and tobacco sponsorship ban. Mario Iliyan participated in the Peking to Paris classic car rally, emphasizing his continued passion for fulfilling work.
Chapters
- Ilmore Engineering: A Legacy of Engine Innovation
- Ilmore's Journey: From IndyCar to Formula One
- Innovations and Successes in Engine Development
- Expansion and Achievements with McLaren and Mercedes
- McLaren Partnership and Engine Development
- Highlights, Challenges, and Future Endeavors
- Recent Projects and Mario Iliyan's Reflections
Ilmore Engineering: A Legacy of Engine Innovation
00:03 - 08:21
- Ilmore Engineering, co-founded by Mario Iliyan, has been at the forefront of engine technology for four decades.
- Iliyan's focus is on making engines lighter, more powerful, and more efficient.
- Exotic materials like beryllium and MMCs have been used in engine components to achieve these goals.
- The design process for engines involves continuous optimization of every detail.
- The biggest performance gains over the years have been in friction reduction and combustion efficiency.
Ilmore's Journey: From IndyCar to Formula One
07:58 - 15:29
- Ilmore was founded as a joint venture by Mario Illien, Paul Morgan, and Roger Penske.
- They started with projects on the side while working at COSWERS and entered the IndyCar market.
- Facing challenges starting from scratch, Ilmore built their factory and developed their first ND car engine.
- They entered Formula One in '91 with Adrian Newey and Leighton House Racing's support.
Innovations and Successes in Engine Development
15:10 - 23:11
- Ilmor's V10 engine was lighter than its competitors, giving it a weight advantage.
- Drivers like Mika Hakkinen and Kimi Raikkonen played a crucial role in engine development.
- Understanding driver feedback and feelings is important for improving engine performance.
- Extreme tests were conducted to reduce understeer and improve fuel consumption.
- Supplying two teams allowed Ilmor to assess their performance compared to each other.
Expansion and Achievements with McLaren and Mercedes
23:04 - 30:23
- Ilmor received interest from McLaren, Mercedes, and Porsche, indicating their growing reputation.
- They supplied Sauber in their first season of Formula One and became a shareholder with Mercedes.
- Ilmor designed a push rod engine specifically for the Indy 500 race, achieving great success.
- Selling Ilmor to Mercedes ensured stability and investment in Formula One.
McLaren Partnership and Engine Development
29:56 - 37:31
- Ilmor joined McLaren in '95, and the '97 season marked a turning point for the team.
- Continuous development of engines throughout the year led to increased performance.
- The Bricsworth facility employed around 504 people during its peak period.
- McLaren produced about 154 Formula One engines per year.
Highlights, Challenges, and Future Endeavors
37:04 - 44:51
- Winning the Hacken and World titles at the end of the '90s was a high point for Ilmor.
- The Indy 594 program was a satisfying race that involved intense secrecy and hard work.
- Selling Ilmor to Mercedes provided stability and allowed them to continue projects in various fields.
- Formula One engine technology has significantly improved efficiency over the years.
Recent Projects and Mario Iliyan's Reflections
44:25 - 51:54
- Ilmor has been involved in projects like IndyCar engines for Honda and marine division.
- The motorbike project faced challenges due to lack of funding and tobacco sponsorship ban.
- Mario Iliyan participated in the Peking to Paris classic car rally with his daughter.
- No plans for retirement as long as there is enjoyment and fulfilling work.