Renault veteran Bob Bell has left the team, handing his managing director role to team principal Eric Boullier.
Bell was technical director until taking over the management role just over a year ago, following the departure of Flavio Briatore. The news signals the cutting of another link with the Briatore era.
A short statement from the team today said simply: “Eric Boullier, Team Principal since 5 January 2010, will take over the role of Managing Director with immediate effect following the departure of Bob Bell.”
Gérard Lopez said: “We would like to thank Bob Bell for his contribution to the performance of the team and for helping see us through a period of transition since Genii Capital became a shareholder in the Renault F1 Team. We are entrusting the post of Managing Director to Eric Boullier and we have every confidence that, under his leadership, we will achieve our racing objectives. Throughout the 2010 season, we have been assessing what is required to continue improving our level of competitiveness and we believe we are well positioned for the challenges ahead.”
Boullier added: “Since the beginning of the season, the Renault F1 Team has demonstrated its ability to react to a need for change. The results of the tremendous efforts made have been immediately apparent on the race track. Today, we have a competitive car and an incredibly motivated team. I am proud of the trust being placed in me to continue this good work, and I will make every effort to ensure the Renault F1 Team returns to the front of the grid as soon as possible.”
Adam Cooper F1 