Ex-Ferrari designer Tombazis joins FIA in technical role

The FIA has confirmed the appointment of ex-Ferrari Formula 1 chief designer Nikolas Tombazis as its new head of single-seater technical matters ahead of the 2018 racing season.

Tombazis, 49, started working in F1 in 1992 with Benetton, rising into the role of chief aerodynamicist before moving to Ferrari five years later.

Tombazis joined McLaren for two seasons starting in 2004 before returning to Ferrari where he remained until 2014. The Greek designer then spent 2016 with Manor before the team folded, prompting him to set up his own engineering consultancy firm.

In a statement issued by the FIA on Wednesday, Tombazis was confirmed as its new head of single-seater technical matters, joining the world motorsport governing body's technical team.

"Reporting to FIA technical director Gilles Simon and working in close cooperation with single-seater director Charlie Whiting, Nikolas' chief responsibilities will be the management of the FIA single-seater technical branch (Formula 1 technical team and technical delegate for F2/F3)," the statement reads.

"He will also contribute to the strategic vision of the F1/F2/F3/F4 technical and sporting regulations, and be the contact point for Formula 1 teams and main suppliers regarding current and future technical regulations and their implementation."