ART Grand Prix boss Frederic Vasseur is set to join the new Renault Formula 1 team as a racing director for the 2016 season, multiple sources have suggested.
Vasseur, who has overseen the nurturing of many high profile F1 drivers, such as Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel and Nico Rosberg, is believed to have been tasked with looking after the sporting remit of the team in a host of changes for the French manufacturer.
The Enstone-based team’s technical director Nick Chester is set to retain his current position, whilst Lotus owner Gerard Lopez moves towards representing the team with CVC, the commercial rights holder.
Lopez will be joined by Renault Sport F1 managing director Cyril Abiteboul, who will also handle engine-related business whilst also becoming CEO of the Viry and Enstone bases alongside Renault Group’s director of financial operations Thierry Cognet.
Alain Prost also looks set to be joining Renault in an ambassadorial role.
Expectation
The arrival of Vasseur and other changes will mean the removal of the role of team principal from the F1 team, something that has already happened within McLaren and Mercedes.
With the changes and re-entry as a works outfit after a four-year absence, Albiteboul believes that Renault should not expect immediate success and that patience will be key.
“The target for next year, it is not just about scoring points in the championship, we need to be humble in our expectations for next year,” the Frenchman told the BBC.
“We’ve a clear plan, not only for next year but for years to come. Next year will not only be a success if we’re doing well on the track.
“There are many things that we want to do well next year, starting with the structure. How well do we integrate the structure? How do we integrate the people, the organisation? How do we put in place the links between the two entities? The culture, the mindset? How do we start catching up properly on the engine?
“We know it is going to take time,” he added.
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