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Boullier Blames Alonso for Renault's Past Struggles

Renault's boss Eric Boullier completed a successful first part of the season in his new position within the Enstone organization, ranking his squad 5th overall and breathing down Mercedes' neck in the manufacturers' classification. However, looking back at what he found at the Oxfordshire factory last winter, he knows exactly who has been responsable for the team's lack of results in the last 3 years.

The Frenchman did not hold back from pointing fingers at the poor management of the team after its title-winning championship in 2006, as well as Fernando Alonso for his lack of commitment and arrogance throughout the 2009 season.

The key for me is that the driver pushes the team because he wants to win, he clearly wants to do the best he can. That will change the scenario completely. For me that was the biggest weakness of the team last year, drivers not committed,” said Boullier, according to Autosport.

I think there was a lack of management, a lack of guidance from the top management, a lack of clear objective. It's difficult to say, because I don't want to criticize anybody. (But) the drivers' situation... Alonso back at Renault after the McLaren situation, and being signed for Ferrari... a driver is a key asset for the team and if the driver is not motivated, not pushing the team enough... because he knew he was moving on.”

The lack of results was bringing the team down, because they are very devoted - so no results was clearly very demotivating for them. No management to guide the team, and drivers which were not easy to work with, very arrogant and not pushing the team in the right way. That was clearly the main two components of what was wrong,” added Boullier, with a clear reference to 2-time world champion Alonso.

Instead, Boullier praised his current driver Robert Kubica, revealing that his strong commitment and good spirits have lifted the team into becoming a fierce competitor once again.

"That was a key thing for me, and this is what Kubica did. He brought a lot of freshness and a lot of motivation," concluded Boullier.
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