Daniel Fausel: A Life for Autosport
AFTERNOON The long-time director of Auto Sport Schweiz passed away on Saturday morning, December 14, after a short hospital stay. Daniel Fausel (73) was also a current member of the ASS Executive Board. Just a few days ago, Daniel Fausel was at the 2019 Conseil Mondial of the FIA World Automobile Federation in Paris. There he was elected for a further period in his various international offices [...]
Just a few days ago, Daniel Fausel attended the 2019 Conseil Mondial of the FIA in Paris. There he was confirmed in his various international offices for a further period. Thus, Fausel would have continued to belong to the 26-member Touring Car Commission in 2020. Daniel Fausel and his wife Andrée were also among the guests of honor at the Swiss championship celebration at the Bellevue Palace in Bern on November 22.
Start as secretary at ACS
In 1966, Daniel Fausel, as a commercial employee, took up a position as secretary in the technical department of the then sports authority ACS. His love of motorsport quickly gave him access to various fields of work. He skilfully applied his skills in the area of licensing issues and in supporting pilots, but also knew how to clarify the relevant issues with promoters and organizers.
Preparing the meetings of the National Sports Commission (NSK) and its subcommissions required a lot of technical and regulatory knowledge. Fausel, who had no technical training, acquired more and more expertise through his work, especially in the technical field.
Chief timekeeper at the GP Suisse in Dijon
Growing up in the watchmaking town of St-Imier, he was practically born with an interest in watches and timekeeping. So it was no surprise that Daniel Fausel made a name for himself as a timekeeper for many years, both nationally and internationally. At the last Swiss Grand Prix in Dijon in 1982, he also acted as chief timekeeper.
Daniel Fausel gained practical racing experience at the end of the 1960s as a driver and co-driver at Swiss rallies. In his function as technical delegate of the sports department of the ACS, he was called up to the races and had to support race directors, sports commissioners, technicians, etc. in their work.
In keeping with his consistent and straightforward character, he always advocated the uncompromising application of the valid regulations. It goes without saying that he did not only make friends in this way.
Change to the new sports sovereignty
In order to be prepared for the future, a broader support of the sports sovereignty was necessary. This goal was achieved in 2004 with the founding of an independent automobile sports association supported by various interested parties. The change to the new sponsor of the sports sovereignty required a lot of energy, and Daniel Fausel played an important role in this process.
In his new function as director, he made a significant contribution to the success of the organization. It was also thanks to him that Auto Sport Schweiz is now secure in organizational, economic and personnel terms. Since his retirement in 2011, he was a member of the three-member ASS Executive Board.
Recognition with the Auto Sport Schweiz Award 2017
The International Federation FIA also benefited from his enormous know-how. So it was not surprising that he held various offices (Sports Commissioner, member of various working groups and commissions, President of the Homologation Commission, etc.) at international level and did so successfully until his death.
Together with his friend and long-time companion Paul Gutjahr (among others FIA chief functionary), Daniel Fausel was honored with the ASS Award 2017 for his commitment to the welfare of automobile racing.
AutoSprintCH extends its deepest condolences to his wife Andrée, children and grandchildren, family and relatives.
