Tim Malyon, former trackside engineer for the Red Bull Racing and Sauber F1 teams, and for BMW Motorsport in DTM and Formula E, has been appointed by the FIA as its first Head of Research.

The new role, within the Safety Department at the FIA’s Geneva office, has been created to oversee the growing number of safety research projects undertaken by the FIA.

In addition, Malyon is tasked with managing the FIA’s research groups and associated working groups, as well as an increased focus on accident investigation.

Malyon previously worked for Red Bull Racing for 12 years, having joined the team when it was known as Jaguar Racing. He worked in various race engineering roles and contributed to Red Bull’s historic four Constructors and Drivers’ championships.

In 2015 he moved to Sauber Motorsport as its Head of Track Engineering before going on to work for BMW Motorsport as a Chief Engineer for its DTM programme in mid-2016. After two successful years at DTM, which included one championship victory, he took on the roles of both Track Engineering Department Leader and Chief Engineer for BMW’s Formula E team.

One of Malyon’s first tasks with the FIA was to lead the latest meeting of the Research Working Group, which studies the feasibility, technical aspects and practical applications of every safety research project. This Group, which met on 26 March, welcomed recently appointed new members from across motor sport, including representatives from F1, WRC, IndyCar, Nascar, sports cars, motorbikes and drag racing.

Adam Baker, FIA Safety Director, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Tim to the team. Research is at the centre of the FIA’s work in safety and Tim will bring a huge amount of experience and knowledge to the role.”

Tim Malyon said: “I’m really proud to be joining the FIA as its first Head of Research. I know safety in motor sport is paramount for the FIA, and this is a great opportunity to bring my engineering experience to this essential work.”