Former Lotus Formula 1 Team Principal Eric Boullier is joining McLaren in the newly created role of Racing Director.
McLaren said in a statement released during pre-season testing in Spain that the Frenchman would start work at Woking on 3 February.
The team said that Boullier would report to a yet-to-be-appointed McLaren Racing Chief Executive Officer, who would in turn answer to chairman Ron Dennis.
Jonathan Neale will fill the Chief Executive Officer role temporarily. There was no mention in the statement of Martin Whitmarsh, who was Team Principal last season but has lost overall control to Dennis.
The team said in a statement: “Eric is one of the most capable trackside leaders in Formula 1. He has played the central role in Lotus F1 Team’s recent successes, and brings with him extensive single-seater motorsport experience, having worked in senior positions in World Series by Nissan and A1 Grand Prix before moving up to Formula 1.”
Eric Boullier said, “First of all, I regard this appointment as an honour, a privilege and a wonderful opportunity. The McLaren Racing workforce and the facilities at the McLaren Technology Centre are world-class, and I’m hugely excited about the prospect of joining such an outstanding team.”
“I’m both eager and determined to play an active part, working alongside McLaren Racing’s other senior managers and directors, within a new operational structure, to bring about the changes that will deliver success. Last, I want to take this opportunity to assure the McLaren Racing workforce that I’m utterly determined to match their famous passion and commitment to win,” added the Frenchman.
Ron Dennis commented, “Eric’s appointment is an integral part of a senior management restructure within McLaren Racing. I’ve already personally conveyed to the entire workforce of the McLaren Group, which includes McLaren Racing, the values, principles and mindset that I intend us all to adopt, going forward.”
“My intention is that from now on everyone at McLaren Racing will understand their responsibilities and accountabilities, focusing on their specific areas of expertise, in keeping with those values, principles and mindset.”
“In due course we’ll announce the identity of McLaren Racing’s new Chief Executive Officer, who’ll report to me, and to whom Eric will report.”
“I’m firmly of the belief that, once McLaren Racing’s restructured senior management team has been assembled, together we’ll begin the march back to full competitiveness, quickly and professionally, harnessing the fantastic depth of talent that exists within our organisation,” concluded Dennis. (Reuters-GP247)
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