One half of the legendary engine specialist firm, Illien became interested in the sport through Swiss-based Jo Bonnier's performances, and Mario's first role in the sport was in chassis preparation for Bonnier. Bonnier's death in 1972 was a big blow, but Mario worked for Fred Stalder for a while, before moving away from the sport and working in military engineering. In 1979, he returned to the sport and joined Cosworth, where he met Paul Morgan. The two formed Ilmor, which then went on to have great success in CART, and then entered F1 in 1989. Paul Morgan's death in 2001 was another big blow for Mario, who sold Ilmor a few years later. Illien now runs his own engine business again, after a few year's break, and the firm supply engines to Moto GP teams as well as having a partnership with Chevrolet for Indycar teams. He also joined Renault's F1 engine supplier as a consultant for a while.

Biography last updated