Carpooling – Bruno Famin

Can you tell us the story of Bruno Famin in the automotive world?

My father worked at Simca in Poissy and I was able to visit the factory when I was 5 or 6 years old. So I have always been immersed in the world of automobiles and I have visited Sarthe several times.

I interrupt you: is this why you chose this Simca 1100 for the interview?

I started driving on a Simca 1100. I have actually had several. I remember there was one that didn't work very well. I had to get out of the car and hit the starter every time I stopped to get it to start again. It is certain that times have changed.

Another digression: did you try your hand at piloting when you were young?

No never. I briefly did some motorcycle racing, but that's about it. I think that pilots are unique beings, gifted with extraordinary abilities that allow them to be above the rest. I never wanted to find myself behind the wheel because I always knew that my place was elsewhere.

Sorry, let's get back to your story...

I am an engineer by training specializing in engines. I did my national service working for a company in Liberia and Nigeria (from April 1987 to April 1989. Editor's note) where I took care of logistics. It was both interesting and educational.

I had the choice to stay there and make my life there or to return to France and realize my dream which was to work in motorsport. I sent three CVs: to Renault Sport, AGS which was then in F1 et Peugeot Talbot Sports.

The latter hired me (in October 1989. Editor's note) to put me in the Customer Competition then under the direction of Jean-Pierre Nicolas, but I did not participate in the 905 programs in Endurance or 405 in Rally-Raid.

After having notably worked on the engine of the 309 GTI 16S Group A of François Delecour – I saw quite a few break -, the 106 Group A of Gilles Panizzi or the Spider 905, I left the Customer Competition department in December 1993 when Peugeot became an engine supplier in F1, but I still remained in the group. In the end, I did very little technical work in my career, but I quickly moved towards team and project management.

Check out our Carpooling with Bruno Famin in its entirety, in issue 2179 of AUTOhebdo, available now in digital version and on newsstands.