• Renault news

Bell leaves Renault, Boullier takes over MD role

Bob Bell became team principal at the end of 2009 © Sutton Images

Enlarge

Renault team principal Eric Boullier will take on the role of managing director at the team, following the departure of Bob Bell.

Bell had been at the team since 2001, having also worked there under the Benetton name between 1997 and 1999, and took over the position of team principal in 2009 after Flavio Briatore resigned over the Crashgate scandal. Boullier took over the reins at the start of 2010 and will now hold the managing director with immediate effect.

The team's chairman and owner of the majority shareholder 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 was also keen to sing the team's praises this season.

"Since the beginning of the season, the Renault F1 Team has demonstrated its ability to react to a need for change," he said. "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."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.