New Renault shareholder Gerard Lopez looks set to have a major influence over the future direction of the outfit with one of his key allies tipped for the team principal position. Eric Boullier, CEO of the Gravity Sports Management company that Lopez is involved with, is in discussions with Renault management about adopting a senior role with the outfit.
It is understood that if the discussions are successful, he will take the team principal role, with Renault representative Jean-Francois Caubet carrying on in a senior management position.
Britain's BBC reported that Lopez told Renault staff during a visit to its Enstone, UK factory earlier this week that Boullier would be taking charge, and that he was serious about getting the French car manufacturer back to the front of the grid.
Boullier has gained a wealth of experience as a team principal and engineer in junior categories, although has not yet been involved in F1. He was managing and technical director at DAMS from January 2003 until November last year, during which time he was also team boss of France's A1 Grand Prix team. He joined Gravity late last year.
Boullier confirmed that talks were ongoing, but that nothing was decided yet. "There are some discussions, but it is definitely still pending further discussion," he said. "It's one possibility."