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Boullier hints at Renault shakeup

Eric Boullier says Renault needs "to ensure we have effective management at the track" © Sutton Images

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Renault team principal Eric Boullier has said that the team could make management changes during the season.

Genii Capital purchased a major stake in the team in 2009, before taking over the remaining Renault shares towards the end of 2010 when it formed a partnership with Group Lotus. Boullier said that the changes away from the track led the team to seek stability over the past 12 months, but having failed to capitalise on an encouraging start to the season the next step would be to analyse the management setup.

"In 2010 we watched the operations at the circuit and did not want to destabilise the team, focusing instead on operating efficiently," Boullier told L'Equipe. "Now is the perfect time to ensure we have effective management at the track. We're calm. It has been a transitional period that we have handled remarkably well. We have a sponsor in the form of Group Lotus and solid partners. And if in the season we ever need an extension of the budget, Genii Capital is able to grant it."

Dany Bahar also reaffirmed Group Lotus' commitment to Renault, despite the ongoing dispute with Team Lotus over the use of the Lotus name in Formula One and reports that the team was short on money.

"We [Group Lotus] are even more committed than ever before to our long-term plan within the sport," Bahar said. "With regards to our involvement with [Renault], as Lotus we stand united with Genii Capital and have every confidence in the future success of [the team]. People always question the cost but, believe me, if we couldn't afford it, we wouldn't do it."

The team has recently upgraded its wind tunnel up to 60% scale, and has been given the go ahead to invest in a new driving simulator as it tries to match the standards of McLaren, Red Bull and Ferrari in the area.

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