General Motors (GM) and TWG Motorsports have announced their intention to establish a new company dedicated to engine manufacturing. One of the prerequisites for the Cadillac team’s entry into F1 is that GM will build its own engines. The American company is now taking the first step and has already appointed a CEO.
The new company will be named GM Performance Power Units LLC. Russ O’Blenes has been appointed as the CEO. The ‘industry veteran’ currently serves as the director of the GM Motorsports Propulsion and Performance team and has over thirty years of experience in the automotive industry.
“We are delighted to welcome Russ in this pivotal role,” says Dan Towriss, CEO of TWG Motorsports in the press release. “His expertise and leadership will play a key role in laying the groundwork for Cadillac’s Formula 1 journey.”
O’Blenes himself is also excited about his new appointment: “I am truly thrilled to have the opportunity to build and lead the team that will bring an American-built Formula 1 engine to the grid. GM PPU is currently expanding its team and hiring people in all areas of the company.”
Ferrari
Although General Motors has so far only signed a principle agreement with Formula 1, the company is not wasting any time. GM reveals that the development and testing of a prototype Formula 1 engine has already begun. There are also concrete plans for the construction of the engine factory itself. GM/Cadillac will be sourcing engines from Ferrari until their own engine is ready for use.
