Benetton Formula
After starting his career in lower motor sport categories, he joined Toleman in the early 1980s. As Toleman grew, it was taken over to become Benetton Formula, and was subsequently sold and renamed Renault F1. Symonds remained throughout this entire period with the team, working his way through the technical ranks. Symonds served as an engineer for many of the team's drivers, including Alessandro Nannini and Teo Fabi.