Boullier quits Lotus

Eric Boullier, pictured, is expected to replace Martin Whitmarsh as team principal at McLaren
24 January 2014

Eric Boullier is poised to be named as the new team principal at McLaren after resigning from the same role at Lotus.

Lotus confirmed on Friday owner Gerard Lopez would now be taking on the position of team boss and co-chairman as the Enstone-based outfit were hit with another key departure.

The likelihood now is that Boullier will replace Martin Whitmarsh as team principal at McLaren, who will become the first team to launch their 2014 car later on Friday.

Ron Dennis last week staged an internal coup at McLaren by returning to his former position as the team's group chief executive officer, ousting Whitmarsh.

Dennis, however, has previously stated no announcements regarding appointments would be made until February, so it remains to be seen whether he will immediately confirm Boullier's arrival.

A Lotus statement barely acknowledged Boullier, initially stating Lopez - whose company Genii Capital owns the team - will take on the position of team principal, as well as co-chairman alongside minor shareholder Andy Ruhan.

The statement added: "The team will announce the arrival of new commercial partners and sponsors when it unveils its 2014 car, the E22, at the beginning of the first Bahrain pre-season test in February.

"The team will also confirm its organisational structure for 2014 ahead of this test.

"The team management, car and partner portfolio will illustrate the team's will and desire to continue its quest to become one of the strongest teams in Formula One in every sense."

Speaking about his role and Lotus' future, Lopez said: "Lotus F1 Team has never stood still and we head into what promises to be an exciting 2014 season with an innovative new car, new partners and a new management structure at Enstone.

"Great things have been achieved over the past years and we need to continue this momentum."

Finally remarking on Boullier, Lopez added: "We thank Eric for all his hard work over the past four years and we are confident we can continue to fight as one of the top teams in Formula One over the seasons ahead."

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