Renault Confirm Eric Boullier as F1 Team Manager

Eric Boullier will take over the team manager role within the Renault F1 Team from 2010 onwards, as confirmed by the Enstone based team earlier on Tuesday. The announcement doesn't come as a shock to anybody, as the former team manager of GP2 Series outfit DAMS was in discussion to take over from Bob Bell since mid-December.

Boullier entered the race for the leading position within the Renault F1 organization shortly after the team was purchased by Gerard Lopez' Genii Capital. The Frenchman had been in charge of Lopez' Gravity Sport Management company last year, and was offered the Renault job soon after Genii completed the 75 percent buyout of the Enstone operations.

“I am incredibly proud to be joining the Renault F1 Team as team principal,” said Boullier when hearing about the official announcement, according to a press release from Renault.

“Renault is one of the most famous and successful names in motorsport and I look forward to leading the team into the new season. In the past Renault has demonstrated that it is one of the top teams in Formula One and I am sure that with hard work and determination we can challenge at the front once again,” added Boullier.

After Flavio Briatore left the team following his involvement in the crash-gate, the Enstone operations were headed by former design director Bob Bell. Consequently, Bell will return to his role prior to his promotion, overseeing the development of Renault's 2010 challenger.

As for Robert Kubica teammate for the season to come, Boullier made it very clear that he will give this opportunity only to the drivers who will be able to “score points and challenge Robert Kubica.”

“So in fact, it might be a Gravity driver or not, but I can guarantee that it will be even more difficult for a Gravity driver to be selected as they really will have to prove their worth to be chosen as Renault's second driver,” added the Frenchman.