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{{Short description|British engineer and car designer (born 1963)}}
[[File:Mike_Gascoyne.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Gascoyne in [[2008]]]]
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2021}}
'''Michael "Mike" Gascoyne''' (born April 2, 1963 in [[Norwich]], [[England]]) is a designer of [[Formula One]] cars. He is the Chief Technical Officer of the new [[Lotus F1 Racing]].
{{Use British English|date=July 2012}}
{{infobox person
| name = Mike Gascoyne
| image = Mike gascoyne - profile.jpg
| caption =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1963|4|2}}
| birth_place = [[Norwich]], England
| occupation = CEO of MGI Consultancy<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web |url=http://www.mgiconsultancy.com/ |title=MGI Consultancy |access-date=3 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108174954/http://mgiconsultancy.com/ |archive-date=8 November 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
}}


'''Michael Robert Gascoyne''' (born 2 April 1963) is a British [[Formula One]] designer and engineer.
Gascoyne has worked for several grand prix teams including [[Team McLaren|McLaren]], [[Sauber]] and [[Tyrrell Racing|Tyrrell]]. Most recently Gascoyne worked as technical director at [[Jordan]] and [[Renault F1|Renault]], and joined the [[Toyota F1]] team in December 2003. A salary reputed to be as high as $8 million per year (source [[F1 Racing]] magazine, February 2005){{Fact|date=October 2007}} made Gascoyne the highest paid engineer in Formula One, eclipsing far more successful Technical Directors such as [[Adrian Newey]] and [[Ross Brawn]].


Gascoyne has worked for numerous Grand Prix teams including [[McLaren]], [[Sauber]], [[Tyrrell Racing|Tyrrell]], [[Jordan Grand Prix|Jordan]] (later known as [[Midland F1 Racing|Midland F1]], [[Spyker F1|Spyker]], [[Force India]], [[Racing Point F1 Team|Racing Point]] and [[Aston Martin in Formula One|Aston Martin]]), [[Renault F1|Renault]], [[Toyota F1|Toyota]], and [[Team Lotus (2010–11)|Team Lotus]], which was later renamed to [[Caterham F1 Team]].
Gascoyne's highly confrontational and aggressive management style has earned him the [[nickname]] "the bulldog".<ref>[http://motorracing.blogspot.com/2006/04/exit-gascoyne.html Motor Racing Journal: Exit Gascoyne<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

Mike currently lives in Oxfordshire with his post-divorce partner Silvi and his children Joel, Connie and Freddie Gascoyne.


==Early career==
==Early career==
Mike Gascoyne was born in [[Norfolk]], [[England]]. He was brought up in Catton on the outskirts of Norwich and went to [[Wymondham College]] before going to study for a [[Ph.D.]] in [[fluid dynamics]] at [[University of Cambridge|Cambridge University]] ([[Churchill College]]) in 1982, although he did not complete his [[thesis]] and so did not become Dr. Gascoyne. <ref> [http://www.grandprix.com/gpe/cref-gasmik.html F1 News - Grandprix.com > GP Encyclopedia > People > Mike Gascoyne<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> He was, however, active in his college Boat Club, as a successful [[coxswain]] of Churchill's leading women's crew. After leaving Cambridge in 1988 he briefly worked for Westland System Assessment Limited, part of [[Westland Helicopters]], but maintained a keen desire to work in [[motor sport]].
Gascoyne was born in Rackheath, [[Norfolk]], [[England]]. He lived in Sprowston and went to Sprowston Junior School and before moving to Old Catton. He went to [[Wymondham College]] from 1974 to 1981. Although he gained admission to study for a [[PhD]] in [[fluid dynamics]] at [[University of Cambridge|Cambridge University]] ([[Churchill College]]) from 1982 to 1988, he gaining a series of degrees but started working before graduating with a PhD.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.grandprix.com/gpe/cref-gasmik.html|title=People: Mike Gascoyne|work=grandprix.com|access-date=1 November 2016}}</ref> He was, however, active in his college Boat Club, as a successful [[coxswain]] of Churchill's leading women's crew. After leaving Cambridge in 1988 he briefly worked for Westland System Assessment Limited, part of [[Westland Helicopters]], but maintained a keen desire to work in [[motor sport]].

==Formula One career==


==Formula One Career==
===Early roles===
===Early roles===
In 1989 he joined [[Team McLaren|McLaren]] as a [[wind tunnel]] [[aerodynamicist]] but only remained with the team for a single year before joining [[Tyrrell Racing|Tyrrell]], who at the time were enjoying something of a [[renaissance]] with [[France|Frenchman]] [[Jean Alesi]] at the wheel of the [[Tyrrell 019|019]] chassis.
In 1989 he joined [[McLaren]] as a [[wind tunnel]] [[aerodynamicist]] but only remained with the team for a single year before joining [[Tyrrell Racing|Tyrrell]], who at the time were enjoying something of a [[renaissance]] with [[France|Frenchman]] [[Jean Alesi]] at the wheel of the [[Tyrrell 019|019]] chassis.
[[File:Mike gascoyne engineering David Coulthard at his Autosport test.JPG|thumb|right|Gascoyne engineering David Coulthard at his Autosport test]]


While at Tyrrell he worked for designer [[Harvey Postlethwaite]], who came to hold Gascoyne in such regard that when Postlethwaite departed in 1991 to design the [[Sauber]] team's first Formula One car, he took the twenty-eight year old engineer with him to [[Switzerland]]. Postlethwaite's stay with the Sauber team was short, but Gascoyne remained for the first season, his Sauber C13 chassis taking 12 points during 1993.
While at Tyrrell he worked for designer [[Harvey Postlethwaite]], who came to hold Gascoyne in such regard that when Postlethwaite departed in 1991 to design the [[Sauber]] team's first Formula One car, he took the twenty-eight-year-old engineer with him to [[Switzerland]]. Postlethwaite's stay with the Sauber team was short, but Gascoyne remained for the first season, his Sauber C13 chassis taking 12 points during 1993.


In late 1993 Postlethwaite returned to Tyrrell and invited Gascoyne to become Deputy Technical Director responsible for the design of the team's 1994 car. Gascoyne accepted and remained with the team for four years, although lack of money severely limited his ability to produce a competitive racing car. When [[Ken Tyrrell]] announced his intention to sell to [[British American Tobacco]], Gascoyne was forced to leave in the knowledge that the re-named [[British American Racing]] was to employ [[Malcolm Oastler]] as Technical Director.{{Fact|date=October 2007}}
In late 1993 Postlethwaite returned to Tyrrell and invited Gascoyne to become deputy technical director responsible for the design of the team's 1994 car. Gascoyne accepted and remained with the team for four years, although lack of money severely limited his ability to produce a competitive racing car. When [[Ken Tyrrell]] announced his intention to sell to [[British American Tobacco]], Gascoyne was forced to leave in the knowledge that the renamed [[British American Racing]] was to employ [[Malcolm Oastler]] as technical director.{{Citation needed|date=October 2007}}[[File:Mike gascoyne driving a Tyrell f1 car in Boss GP series.JPG|thumb|left|Gascoyne driving a Tyrrell F1 car in the BOSS GP series]]


===Jordan Grand Prix===
===Jordan Grand Prix===
In June 1998 Gascoyne joined [[Jordan Grand Prix]] as Technical Director and immediately set about designing their 1999 car. The season was the team's most successful in its history, finishing third in the Constructors Championship and taking two race victories. Despite the 2000 season failing to deliver the same level of competitiveness, Gascoyne’s reputation as a capable Technical Director was secure.
In June 1998 Gascoyne joined [[Jordan Grand Prix]] as technical director and immediately set about designing their 1999 car. The season was the team's most successful in its history, finishing third in the Constructors Championship and taking two race victories.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://retroformula1.com/Jordan/formula1_Jordan_SHOP.html |title=Jordan |work=retroformula1.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131124075411/http://www.retroformula1.com/shop/Jordan/Shop_Jordan.html |archive-date=24 November 2013 |access-date=1 November 2016}}</ref>


===Benetton/Renault F1===
===Benetton/Renault F1===
Shortly before the start of the 2001 season he moved to [[Benetton Formula|Benetton]], whose results had been in serious decline since the mid-1990s.
Shortly before the start of the 2001 season he moved to [[Benetton Formula|Benetton]], whose results had been in serious decline since the mid-1990s.
Gascoyne's two-and-a-half seasons with [[Benetton Formula|Benetton]], and later [[Renault F1|Renault]], saw a marked improvement in the team's fortunes, culminating in victory at the [[2003 Hungarian Grand Prix]]. By now however, the highly rated technical director had already been placed on [[gardening leave]] by his French employers pending a move to [[Toyota F1]] for an undisclosed financial settlement.

Gascoyne’s two-and-a-half seasons with [[Benetton Formula|Benetton]], and later [[Renault F1|Renault]], saw a marked improvement in the team's fortunes, culminating in victory at the [[2003 Hungarian Grand Prix]]. By now however, the highly rated Technical Director had already been placed on [[gardening leave]] by his French employers pending a move to [[Toyota F1]] for an undisclosed financial settlement.


===Toyota===
===Toyota===
In December 2003 Gascoyne made his move to the [[Cologne]] base of Toyota and began working on the 2004 car. With Formula One design timelines stretching back many months before the season begins, he was unable to have full influence over many early decisions and the season proved to be a disappointment. In 2005 Toyota F1 had a budget allegedly similar to [[Scuderia Ferrari|Ferrari]]'s and resources only a giant, [[Multinational corporation|multinational]] car manufacturer can provide. It was Toyota's most successful season since they entered F1 and Gascoyne's aim for 2006 was high. The team's first victory and the championship were the next two steps. The early stages of the 2006 season proved to be a disappointment. Many observers had predicted race wins and possibly even a title challenge, but instead the team struggled with the new V8 engine and its effect on the car's aerodynamics
In December 2003 Gascoyne made his move to the [[Cologne]] base of Toyota and began working on the 2004 car. With Formula One design timelines stretching back many months before the start of the season,{{Citation needed|date=March 2012}} he was unable to have full influence over many early decisions {{Citation needed|date=March 2012}} and the season proved to be a disappointment. The 2005 season was Toyota's most successful Formula One season by far, as they scored points in all but the opening race and the controversial United States Grand Prix, where Trulli qualified in pole position but like all the drivers using [[Michelin]] tyres, retired before the start of the race. Gascoyne's aim for 2006 was high and the team's first victory and the championship were the next two steps. The early stages of the 2006 season proved to be average, with the team struggling with the late switch to [[Bridgestone]] tyres and the new V8 engines. Many observers{{Who|date=March 2012}} had predicted race wins and possibly even a title challenge.
[[File:Jarno Trulli 2005 Toyota TF105.jpg|thumb|right|Jarno Trulli 2005 Toyota TF105]]

Toyota surprised the Formula One community by dropping Gascoyne from their technical department after the Melbourne race where Ralf Schumacher finished 3rd on the podium, especially as the Englishman had contributed to their rise in competitiveness during 2005. However, the poor performances of the TF106 in the opening two races of the season, particularly in Bahrain where the team had finished on the podium 12 months earlier, prompted disagreement over the team's technical direction. Gascoyne disliked the corporate way the team's management operated while team management were unimpressed by the TF106 car Gascoyne had produced and he was duly dismissed.


On 5 April 2006 Toyota announced that Gascoyne had been suspended from the Toyota F1 Team. Although he made no immediate comment regarding the apparent sacking, the Toyota team issued a statement citing a "fundamental difference of opinion with regard to the technical operations" and that Gascoyne had been suspended until further notice. On 6 April Gascoyne and Toyota parted company "amicably".<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/4878554.stm BBC SPORT | Motorsport | Formula One | Gascoyne leaves Toyota 'amicably'<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> [[Pascal Vasselon]] became temporary Technical Director with immediate effect.
Although he made no immediate comment, the Toyota team issued a statement citing a "fundamental difference of opinion with regard to the technical operations" and that Gascoyne had been suspended until further notice. On 6 April Gascoyne and Toyota parted company "amicably".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/4878554.stm|title=BBC SPORT - Motorsport - Formula One - Gascoyne leaves Toyota 'amicably'|date=6 April 2006 |publisher=BBC|access-date=1 November 2016}}</ref> [[Pascal Vasselon]] became temporary technical director with immediate effect.


===Spyker/Force India===
===Spyker/Force India===
In September 2006 Gascoyne was signed by [[Spyker F1]] as Chief Technology Officer. He took up his new position in November 2006.
In September 2006 Gascoyne was signed by [[Spyker F1]] as chief technology officer. He took up his new position in November 2006.


An updated version of the [[Spyker F8-VII|F8-VII]] chassis was introduced at the [[2007 Turkish Grand Prix]]. It was the first Spyker car designed by Gascoyne and Gascoyne stated the new car could be up to three quarters of a second per lap faster than the original F8-VII.<ref>[http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/61458 autosport.com - F1 News: Gascoyne downplays B-spec car expectations<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Gascoyne's most memorable moment at Spyker was during the [[2007 European Grand Prix]]. While rain was in the air, Gascoyne told [[Markus Winkelhock]] to come in during the formation lap to switch to intermediate tires. Moments later rain began pouring down and while all other drivers struggled to keep their car on the track, Winkelhock took the lead in his very first laps as a Formula One racedriver, a few laps before the race was aborted. Neither Spyker nor Winkelhock had ever led a Formula One Grand Prix previously. However, Winkelhock could not keep the lead after the restart and had to retire later in the race..
An updated version of the [[Spyker F8-VII|F8-VII]] chassis was introduced at the [[2007 Turkish Grand Prix]]. It was the first Spyker car designed by Gascoyne and he stated the new car could be up to three-quarters of a second per lap faster than the original F8-VII.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/61458|title=Gascoyne downplays B-spec car expectations - F1 - Autosport|first=Steve Cooper and Pablo|last=Elizalde|work=autosport.com|access-date=1 November 2016}}</ref>


In 2008, Spyker became the Force India team after its sale to [[Vijay Mallya]]. Gascoyne continued as chief technology officer.
In 2008, Spyker became the Force India team after its sale to [[Vijay Mallya]]. Gascoyne continued as Chief Technology Officer. After the [[2008 Monaco Grand Prix]], Gascoyne lodged a protest against [[Kimi Räikkönen]] after Räikkönen had lost control of his car and crashed into the suspension of Force India's Adrian Sutil, forcing Sutil to retire with 7 laps left of the team's first potential point-scoring position (4th). Räikkönen, who replaced a broken front wing and finished 9th, was unpunished beyond losing a potential 5th place in the race.


On November 7 2008 it was announced that Gascoyne would no longer play any formal role at the team, with Force India owner Vijay Mallya taking full responsibility for running the outfit.
On 7 November 2008 it was announced that Gascoyne would no longer play any formal role at the team, with Force India owner Vijay Mallya taking full responsibility for running the team.


=== Lotus (2009 - present) ===
===Lotus F1 Racing/Team Lotus/Caterham Group (2009–2015)===
In 2009 Gascoyne was part of plans by the [[Litespeed F3]] team to enter Formula One in 2010, under the [[Team Lotus]] name. They failed to gain entry, but Gascoyne continued to work on the plans and got backing from the [[Malaysia]]n government to form the [[Lotus F1 Racing]]. He is the Chief Technical Officer for the team, which gained entry for the {{f1|2010}} season in September 2009. Gascoyne announced on October 2009 that he hoped the team could rival [[Brawn GP]]'s debut as they won the Constructors' Championship in their debut season, however he said the main objective was to get a car in Bahrain for 2010.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8317246.stm]</ref>
In 2009 Gascoyne was part of plans by the [[Litespeed F3]] team to enter Formula One in 2010, under the [[Team Lotus]] name. They failed to gain entry, but Gascoyne continued to work on the plans and got backing from the [[Malaysia]]n government to form [[Team Lotus (2010–11)|Lotus Racing]]. The team gained entry for the {{f1|2010}} season in September 2009. Throughout several name changes the team is now called [[Caterham F1 Team]] and on 29 September 2010 it was announced that Gascoyne had signed an extension to his contract, tying him to the Caterham group until 2015.
[[File:Lotus racing t127 launch.jpg|thumb|left|Lotus racing T127 launch]]


====Caterham Technology and Caterham Composites====
== Other Work ==
In February 2012 Gascoyne stepped away from the daily running of the F1 side and became chief technical officer of the [[Caterham Group]], with his daily focus on his role as CEO of [[Caterham Group|Caterham Technology]] and [[Caterham Group|Caterham Composites]], using his experience in Formula 1 engineering and project management to develop competitive turn-key solutions for the automotive, marine and aviation industry.
Gascoyne writes columns for several magazines. Gascoyne commentated for [[BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra]] on the [[2009 Malaysian Grand Prix]] and temporarily replaced [[Eddie Jordan]] on the [[BBC One]] coverage of the [[2009 Chinese Grand Prix]].


=== The MGI Group ===
====Caterham Le Mans Project====
[[File:Caterham Le Mans Mike Gascoyne.jpg|thumb|right|Caterham Le Mans Project]]
On 3 June, [[Caterham Group|the Caterham Group]] announced it would be entering the [[2013 24 Hours of Le Mans|2013 Le Mans 24hr]] race in the LMP2 Class in collaboration with Greaves Motorsport.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/107440|title=Caterham places F1 reserve Alexander Rossi at Greaves for Le Mans|first=Gary|last=Watkins|work=autosport.com|access-date=1 November 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://life.caterham.co.uk/news/caterham-to-make-le-mans-24-hours-debut|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130707020942/http://life.caterham.co.uk/news/caterham-to-make-le-mans-24-hours-debut|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 July 2013|title=Caterham to make Le Mans 24 Hours debut|work=caterham.co.uk|access-date=1 November 2016}}</ref>
Caterham personnel would be led by Caterham Technology CEO Gascoyne as part of an evaluation of an entry into the customer prototype market with the idea to apply areas of expertise to a customer Sports Prototype programme in future.
The interest of the Caterham Group in international endurance racing follows the setting up of a 50/50 joint venture with historic French manufacturer Alpine to develop a new road-going sports car. Gascoyne and Caterham Technology are leading the design of a car that will be available as a Caterham and an Alpine when it goes on sale in 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/107850|title=Caterham eyes customer prototypes market for Le Mans 24 Hours|first=Gary|last=Watkins|work=autosport.com|access-date=1 November 2016}}</ref>


==MGI Engineering Ltd==
The MGI Group is a company founded in Oxford in 2001 by Mike Gascoyne. Today, Mike Gascoyne is its chairman, bringing MGI Consultancy, MGI Yachting services and MGI Taverns under one roof.
MGI Engineering is a company founded by Gascoyne in 2003 originally under the name of MGI Motorsport with facilities based in Oxfordshire, UK.<ref name="auto1"/>
The company's main focus is in developing lightweight composite solutions for application in the aerospace, motorsport, automotive and marine sectors. In recent years the company has increasingly focused on the electric vehicle and sustainability markets with a focus on developing technical solutions for electric flight by applying technologies, systems and agile processes from F1 to the development of eVtol aircraft.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://mgiengineering.com/about-mgi/ |title=About Us |website=mgiengineering.com |access-date=24 January 2023}}</ref>

=== Class 40 racing program ===
On 15 May 2013 MGI announced that Caterham Technology and Caterham Composites, had joined with MGI CEO Gascoyne and MGI Sailing Director [[Brian Thompson (sailor)|Brian Thompson]] to run a [[Class40]] offshore racing campaign under the banner of 'Caterham Challenge'.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/sailing/caterham-f1-boss-mike-gascoyne-to-join-world-of-ocean-racing-8617569.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220514/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/sailing/caterham-f1-boss-mike-gascoyne-to-join-world-of-ocean-racing-8617569.html |archive-date=14 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Caterham F1 boss Mike Gascoyne to join world of ocean racing|date=15 May 2013|work=The Independent|access-date=1 November 2016}}</ref>

<gallery>
File:Mike gascoyne - sailing class 40 - arrival.jpg|Gascoyne sailing Class 40 Caterham Challenge – arrival
File:Caterham Challenge race start.JPG|Class 40 Caterham Challenge
File:Caterham Challenge launch 2013.jpg|Class 40 Caterham Challenge team launch
File:Mike gascoyne and brian thompson.JPG|Gascoyne and Brian Thompson
</gallery>

This two-year campaign followed on from Gascoyne's successful 2012 solo transatlantic aboard a 'Caterham Challenge' branded Class40.

The campaign objectives were to bring F1 standards of technology and logistics to off-shore racing, to encourage green, sustainable and reusable energy technologies in the marine, automotive and aerospace sectors and to utilize Caterham's extensive experience in F1, R&D, engineering, competitive sailing and sports marketing.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/22563038|title=What lessons can sailing learn from Formula 1?|date=18 May 2013|access-date=1 November 2016|publisher=BBC}}</ref>
MGI built an Akilara RC3 Class40 named Silvi Belle 2 and launched the racing boat in late August. The racing yacht was first on public display during the Southampton boatshow 2013 followed by sailing and training in The Solent and the English Channel.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sail-world.com/UK/Caterham-Challenge---A-powerful-new-force/109536|title=Caterham Challenge - A powerful new force|work=sail-world.com|access-date=1 November 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/caterham_to_back_mike_gascoynes_sailing_campaign/|title=Caterham to back Mike Gascoyne's sailing campaign|work=sportspromedia.com|date=25 June 2013 |access-date=1 November 2016}}</ref>
Silvi Belle 2 started at the Transat Jacques Vabre on 7 November 2013 under the name of Caterham Challenge with Gascoyne as skipper and [[Brian Thompson (sailor)|Brian Thompson]] as co-skipper, leaving Le Havre, France for Itajai, Brazil.
<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/sailing/caterham-challenge-mike-gascoyne-looks-ahead-to-the-transat-jacques-vabre-race-8916422.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220514/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/sailing/caterham-challenge-mike-gascoyne-looks-ahead-to-the-transat-jacques-vabre-race-8916422.html |archive-date=14 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Caterham Challenge: Mike Gascoyne looks ahead to the Transat Jacques|date=31 October 2013|work=The Independent|access-date=1 November 2016}}</ref>

====Rolex Fastnet Race 2015====
In 2015, the Class 40 racing yacht Silvi Belle 2, Sail Number GBR 132, sailed by a crew of 4 consisting of Gascoyne (skipper), Phil Sharp, James French and Adrian Kuttel finished 3rd in the 2015 edition of the Rolex [[Fastnet race]].

The team crossed the finish line in Plymouth on 20 August 2015 at 00:27:10, having completed the 608 miles in 3 days 12:17:10 throughout a mixed weather of very light winds and strong currents at the start and strong winds and choppy seas on the way back from the Rock.<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=http://www.rolexfastnetrace.com/Race-Updates-2015/tales-from-the-high-seas.html|title=Tales from the high seas - Race Updates 2015 - News 2015|last=RORC|work=rolexfastnetrace.com|access-date=1 November 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160525221730/http://www.rolexfastnetrace.com/Race-Updates-2015/tales-from-the-high-seas.html|archive-date=25 May 2016}}</ref>

Silvi Belle 2 led the Class 40 fleet around the [[Fastnet Rock]] when it passed the landmark on 19 August at 00:41:07.
<ref name="auto"/>

==Other activities==
[[File:Mike Gascoyne Himalaya.jpg|thumbnail|right|Gascoyne during one of 2 Himalaya expeditions]]
During his time at the [[Churchill College, Cambridge|Churchill College]] in Cambridge Gascoyne led 2 climbing expeditions in the Himalaya (1986–1987, climbing both the [[Bandarpunch]] and [[Sudarshan Parbat]]) followed by a new-found interest in paragliding (1989–1992). Gascoyne raced Formula 1 cars for 4 races in the BOSS GP series in 1999; the Tyrrell 022 and Tyrrell 025, both of which he designed himself during his time at [[Tyrrell Racing|Tyrrell]], finishing 3rd at [[Brands Hatch]]. Following his love for competitive extreme sport Gascoyne fulfilled another lifelong dream by sailing solo non-stop 3200 miles across the Atlantic in 2012. He crossed the Atlantic on a [[Class40]] racing yacht leaving [[Cascais]] (Portugal) on 28 November 2012 and arriving in [[Grenada]] (Caribbean) on 14 December 2012.
[[File:Mike Gascoyne driving classic Lotus in Snetterton Gold Leaf 49B.JPG|thumb|left|Gascoyne driving a classic Gold Leaf Lotus 49B at Snetterton]]

Gascoyne writes columns for several magazines. He has appeared in TV shows on [[Sky Sports F1]], commentated for [[BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra]] on the [[2009 Malaysian Grand Prix]] and temporarily replaced [[Eddie Jordan]] on the [[BBC One]] coverage of the [[2009 Chinese Grand Prix]]. In 2011, Gascoyne became president of the Cambridge Granta Cricket Club,{{Citation needed|date=June 2011}} being a passionate cricket fan and player himself.

==Personal life==
Gascoyne currently lives in Oxfordshire with his partner Silvi and his children Joel, Connie and Freddie.

His nickname "the rottweiler" originates from his time at Tyrrell working under his mentor [[Harvey Postlethwaite]]. Gascoyne was originally called "Harvey's pit bull" by a truckie called "Jolly" but this was later changed to "the rottweiler" and has stuck with him ever since.{{citation needed|date=June 2015}}


==References==
==References==
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==External links==
==External links==
{{commons category}}
*[http://www.mgiaviation.com MGI Group]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20181108174954/http://mgiconsultancy.com/ MGIconsultancy.com]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/norfolk/content/articles/2007/10/29/sport_feature_mike_gascoyne_20071029_feature.shtml BBC Norfolk 2007 interview]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20130613124356/http://www.caterhamchallenge.com/ CaterhamChallenge.com]
*[http://www.racecar-engineering.com/community/raceblogs/181991/mike-gascoyne-on-f1-2008.html Racecar Engineering 2008 Interview]
*[https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/22563038 BBC F1 meets sailing]
*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/norfolk/content/articles/2007/10/29/sport_feature_mike_gascoyne_20071029_feature.shtml BBC Norfolk 2007 interview bbc.co.uk]
*[http://www.racecar-engineering.com/community/raceblogs/181991/mike-gascoyne-on-f1-2008.html Racecar Engineering 2008 Interview www.racecar-engineering.com]{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20130518025200/http://www.voile.banquepopulaire.fr/Ils-ont-ecrit-l-histoire/Maxi-Trimaran-Banque-Populaire-V/default.html Maxi Trimaran Banque Populaire V]


{{Caterham F1}}

{{Lotus F1 Racing}}
{{Renault F1}}
{{Renault F1}}
{{Benetton Formula}}
{{Jordan Grand Prix}}
{{Jordan Grand Prix}}
{{Spyker F1}}
{{Spyker F1}}
{{Force India F1}}
{{Force India F1}}
{{Toyota F1}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Gascoyne, Mike}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Gascoyne, Mike}}
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[[Category:Formula One designers]]
[[Category:Formula One designers]]
[[Category:Spyker]]
[[Category:Spyker]]
[[Category:Engineers from Norwich]]

[[Category:People educated at Wymondham College]]
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[[Category:British chief technology officers]]
[[es:Mike Gascoyne]]
[[Category:British chief executives]]
[[fr:Mike Gascoyne]]
[[id:Mike Gascoyne]]
[[Category:Renault people]]
[[lv:Maiks Gaskoins]]
[[Category:Force India]]
[[Category:Benetton Formula]]
[[mr:माईक गास्कॉइन]]
[[Category:Tyrrell Racing]]
[[ja:マイク・ガスコイン]]
[[pt:Mike Gascoyne]]
[[ro:Mike Gascoyne]]
[[fi:Mike Gascoyne]]
[[zh:迈克·加斯科因]]

Latest revision as of 18:46, 5 May 2024

Mike Gascoyne
Born (1963-04-02) 2 April 1963 (age 61)
Norwich, England
OccupationCEO of MGI Consultancy[1]

Michael Robert Gascoyne (born 2 April 1963) is a British Formula One designer and engineer.

Gascoyne has worked for numerous Grand Prix teams including McLaren, Sauber, Tyrrell, Jordan (later known as Midland F1, Spyker, Force India, Racing Point and Aston Martin), Renault, Toyota, and Team Lotus, which was later renamed to Caterham F1 Team.

Early career

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Gascoyne was born in Rackheath, Norfolk, England. He lived in Sprowston and went to Sprowston Junior School and before moving to Old Catton. He went to Wymondham College from 1974 to 1981. Although he gained admission to study for a PhD in fluid dynamics at Cambridge University (Churchill College) from 1982 to 1988, he gaining a series of degrees but started working before graduating with a PhD.[2] He was, however, active in his college Boat Club, as a successful coxswain of Churchill's leading women's crew. After leaving Cambridge in 1988 he briefly worked for Westland System Assessment Limited, part of Westland Helicopters, but maintained a keen desire to work in motor sport.

Formula One career

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Early roles

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In 1989 he joined McLaren as a wind tunnel aerodynamicist but only remained with the team for a single year before joining Tyrrell, who at the time were enjoying something of a renaissance with Frenchman Jean Alesi at the wheel of the 019 chassis.

Gascoyne engineering David Coulthard at his Autosport test

While at Tyrrell he worked for designer Harvey Postlethwaite, who came to hold Gascoyne in such regard that when Postlethwaite departed in 1991 to design the Sauber team's first Formula One car, he took the twenty-eight-year-old engineer with him to Switzerland. Postlethwaite's stay with the Sauber team was short, but Gascoyne remained for the first season, his Sauber C13 chassis taking 12 points during 1993.

In late 1993 Postlethwaite returned to Tyrrell and invited Gascoyne to become deputy technical director responsible for the design of the team's 1994 car. Gascoyne accepted and remained with the team for four years, although lack of money severely limited his ability to produce a competitive racing car. When Ken Tyrrell announced his intention to sell to British American Tobacco, Gascoyne was forced to leave in the knowledge that the renamed British American Racing was to employ Malcolm Oastler as technical director.[citation needed]

Gascoyne driving a Tyrrell F1 car in the BOSS GP series

Jordan Grand Prix

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In June 1998 Gascoyne joined Jordan Grand Prix as technical director and immediately set about designing their 1999 car. The season was the team's most successful in its history, finishing third in the Constructors Championship and taking two race victories.[3]

Benetton/Renault F1

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Shortly before the start of the 2001 season he moved to Benetton, whose results had been in serious decline since the mid-1990s. Gascoyne's two-and-a-half seasons with Benetton, and later Renault, saw a marked improvement in the team's fortunes, culminating in victory at the 2003 Hungarian Grand Prix. By now however, the highly rated technical director had already been placed on gardening leave by his French employers pending a move to Toyota F1 for an undisclosed financial settlement.

Toyota

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In December 2003 Gascoyne made his move to the Cologne base of Toyota and began working on the 2004 car. With Formula One design timelines stretching back many months before the start of the season,[citation needed] he was unable to have full influence over many early decisions [citation needed] and the season proved to be a disappointment. The 2005 season was Toyota's most successful Formula One season by far, as they scored points in all but the opening race and the controversial United States Grand Prix, where Trulli qualified in pole position but like all the drivers using Michelin tyres, retired before the start of the race. Gascoyne's aim for 2006 was high and the team's first victory and the championship were the next two steps. The early stages of the 2006 season proved to be average, with the team struggling with the late switch to Bridgestone tyres and the new V8 engines. Many observers[who?] had predicted race wins and possibly even a title challenge.

Jarno Trulli 2005 Toyota TF105

Toyota surprised the Formula One community by dropping Gascoyne from their technical department after the Melbourne race where Ralf Schumacher finished 3rd on the podium, especially as the Englishman had contributed to their rise in competitiveness during 2005. However, the poor performances of the TF106 in the opening two races of the season, particularly in Bahrain where the team had finished on the podium 12 months earlier, prompted disagreement over the team's technical direction. Gascoyne disliked the corporate way the team's management operated while team management were unimpressed by the TF106 car Gascoyne had produced and he was duly dismissed.

Although he made no immediate comment, the Toyota team issued a statement citing a "fundamental difference of opinion with regard to the technical operations" and that Gascoyne had been suspended until further notice. On 6 April Gascoyne and Toyota parted company "amicably".[4] Pascal Vasselon became temporary technical director with immediate effect.

Spyker/Force India

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In September 2006 Gascoyne was signed by Spyker F1 as chief technology officer. He took up his new position in November 2006.

An updated version of the F8-VII chassis was introduced at the 2007 Turkish Grand Prix. It was the first Spyker car designed by Gascoyne and he stated the new car could be up to three-quarters of a second per lap faster than the original F8-VII.[5]

In 2008, Spyker became the Force India team after its sale to Vijay Mallya. Gascoyne continued as chief technology officer.

On 7 November 2008 it was announced that Gascoyne would no longer play any formal role at the team, with Force India owner Vijay Mallya taking full responsibility for running the team.

Lotus F1 Racing/Team Lotus/Caterham Group (2009–2015)

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In 2009 Gascoyne was part of plans by the Litespeed F3 team to enter Formula One in 2010, under the Team Lotus name. They failed to gain entry, but Gascoyne continued to work on the plans and got backing from the Malaysian government to form Lotus Racing. The team gained entry for the 2010 season in September 2009. Throughout several name changes the team is now called Caterham F1 Team and on 29 September 2010 it was announced that Gascoyne had signed an extension to his contract, tying him to the Caterham group until 2015.

Lotus racing T127 launch

Caterham Technology and Caterham Composites

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In February 2012 Gascoyne stepped away from the daily running of the F1 side and became chief technical officer of the Caterham Group, with his daily focus on his role as CEO of Caterham Technology and Caterham Composites, using his experience in Formula 1 engineering and project management to develop competitive turn-key solutions for the automotive, marine and aviation industry.

Caterham Le Mans Project

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Caterham Le Mans Project

On 3 June, the Caterham Group announced it would be entering the 2013 Le Mans 24hr race in the LMP2 Class in collaboration with Greaves Motorsport.[6][7] Caterham personnel would be led by Caterham Technology CEO Gascoyne as part of an evaluation of an entry into the customer prototype market with the idea to apply areas of expertise to a customer Sports Prototype programme in future. The interest of the Caterham Group in international endurance racing follows the setting up of a 50/50 joint venture with historic French manufacturer Alpine to develop a new road-going sports car. Gascoyne and Caterham Technology are leading the design of a car that will be available as a Caterham and an Alpine when it goes on sale in 2016.[8]

MGI Engineering Ltd

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MGI Engineering is a company founded by Gascoyne in 2003 originally under the name of MGI Motorsport with facilities based in Oxfordshire, UK.[1] The company's main focus is in developing lightweight composite solutions for application in the aerospace, motorsport, automotive and marine sectors. In recent years the company has increasingly focused on the electric vehicle and sustainability markets with a focus on developing technical solutions for electric flight by applying technologies, systems and agile processes from F1 to the development of eVtol aircraft.[9]

Class 40 racing program

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On 15 May 2013 MGI announced that Caterham Technology and Caterham Composites, had joined with MGI CEO Gascoyne and MGI Sailing Director Brian Thompson to run a Class40 offshore racing campaign under the banner of 'Caterham Challenge'.[10]

  • Gascoyne sailing Class 40 Caterham Challenge – arrival
    Gascoyne sailing Class 40 Caterham Challenge – arrival
  • Class 40 Caterham Challenge
    Class 40 Caterham Challenge
  • Class 40 Caterham Challenge team launch
    Class 40 Caterham Challenge team launch
  • Gascoyne and Brian Thompson
    Gascoyne and Brian Thompson

This two-year campaign followed on from Gascoyne's successful 2012 solo transatlantic aboard a 'Caterham Challenge' branded Class40.

The campaign objectives were to bring F1 standards of technology and logistics to off-shore racing, to encourage green, sustainable and reusable energy technologies in the marine, automotive and aerospace sectors and to utilize Caterham's extensive experience in F1, R&D, engineering, competitive sailing and sports marketing.[11] MGI built an Akilara RC3 Class40 named Silvi Belle 2 and launched the racing boat in late August. The racing yacht was first on public display during the Southampton boatshow 2013 followed by sailing and training in The Solent and the English Channel.[12][13] Silvi Belle 2 started at the Transat Jacques Vabre on 7 November 2013 under the name of Caterham Challenge with Gascoyne as skipper and Brian Thompson as co-skipper, leaving Le Havre, France for Itajai, Brazil. [14]

Rolex Fastnet Race 2015

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In 2015, the Class 40 racing yacht Silvi Belle 2, Sail Number GBR 132, sailed by a crew of 4 consisting of Gascoyne (skipper), Phil Sharp, James French and Adrian Kuttel finished 3rd in the 2015 edition of the Rolex Fastnet race.

The team crossed the finish line in Plymouth on 20 August 2015 at 00:27:10, having completed the 608 miles in 3 days 12:17:10 throughout a mixed weather of very light winds and strong currents at the start and strong winds and choppy seas on the way back from the Rock.[15]

Silvi Belle 2 led the Class 40 fleet around the Fastnet Rock when it passed the landmark on 19 August at 00:41:07. [15]

Other activities

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Gascoyne during one of 2 Himalaya expeditions

During his time at the Churchill College in Cambridge Gascoyne led 2 climbing expeditions in the Himalaya (1986–1987, climbing both the Bandarpunch and Sudarshan Parbat) followed by a new-found interest in paragliding (1989–1992). Gascoyne raced Formula 1 cars for 4 races in the BOSS GP series in 1999; the Tyrrell 022 and Tyrrell 025, both of which he designed himself during his time at Tyrrell, finishing 3rd at Brands Hatch. Following his love for competitive extreme sport Gascoyne fulfilled another lifelong dream by sailing solo non-stop 3200 miles across the Atlantic in 2012. He crossed the Atlantic on a Class40 racing yacht leaving Cascais (Portugal) on 28 November 2012 and arriving in Grenada (Caribbean) on 14 December 2012.

Gascoyne driving a classic Gold Leaf Lotus 49B at Snetterton

Gascoyne writes columns for several magazines. He has appeared in TV shows on Sky Sports F1, commentated for BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra on the 2009 Malaysian Grand Prix and temporarily replaced Eddie Jordan on the BBC One coverage of the 2009 Chinese Grand Prix. In 2011, Gascoyne became president of the Cambridge Granta Cricket Club,[citation needed] being a passionate cricket fan and player himself.

Personal life

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Gascoyne currently lives in Oxfordshire with his partner Silvi and his children Joel, Connie and Freddie.

His nickname "the rottweiler" originates from his time at Tyrrell working under his mentor Harvey Postlethwaite. Gascoyne was originally called "Harvey's pit bull" by a truckie called "Jolly" but this was later changed to "the rottweiler" and has stuck with him ever since.[citation needed]

References

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  1. ^ a b "MGI Consultancy". Archived from the original on 8 November 2018. Retrieved 3 April 2020.
  2. ^ "People: Mike Gascoyne". grandprix.com. Retrieved 1 November 2016.
  3. ^ "Jordan". retroformula1.com. Archived from the original on 24 November 2013. Retrieved 1 November 2016.
  4. ^ "BBC SPORT - Motorsport - Formula One - Gascoyne leaves Toyota 'amicably'". BBC. 6 April 2006. Retrieved 1 November 2016.
  5. ^ Elizalde, Steve Cooper and Pablo. "Gascoyne downplays B-spec car expectations - F1 - Autosport". autosport.com. Retrieved 1 November 2016.
  6. ^ Watkins, Gary. "Caterham places F1 reserve Alexander Rossi at Greaves for Le Mans". autosport.com. Retrieved 1 November 2016.
  7. ^ "Caterham to make Le Mans 24 Hours debut". caterham.co.uk. Archived from the original on 7 July 2013. Retrieved 1 November 2016.
  8. ^ Watkins, Gary. "Caterham eyes customer prototypes market for Le Mans 24 Hours". autosport.com. Retrieved 1 November 2016.
  9. ^ "About Us". mgiengineering.com. Retrieved 24 January 2023.
  10. ^ "Caterham F1 boss Mike Gascoyne to join world of ocean racing". The Independent. 15 May 2013. Archived from the original on 14 May 2022. Retrieved 1 November 2016.
  11. ^ "What lessons can sailing learn from Formula 1?". BBC. 18 May 2013. Retrieved 1 November 2016.
  12. ^ "Caterham Challenge - A powerful new force". sail-world.com. Retrieved 1 November 2016.
  13. ^ "Caterham to back Mike Gascoyne's sailing campaign". sportspromedia.com. 25 June 2013. Retrieved 1 November 2016.
  14. ^ "Caterham Challenge: Mike Gascoyne looks ahead to the Transat Jacques". The Independent. 31 October 2013. Archived from the original on 14 May 2022. Retrieved 1 November 2016.
  15. ^ a b RORC. "Tales from the high seas - Race Updates 2015 - News 2015". rolexfastnetrace.com. Archived from the original on 25 May 2016. Retrieved 1 November 2016.
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