Renault has confirmed the appointment of former FIA technical chief Marcin Budkowsky from the beginning of 2018, joining the French manufacturer as Executive Director.
Last week it was announced Budkowsky had left his position at the governing body for a period of three months gardening leave and it was speculated Renault was the team that had secured his services.
Managing Director Cyril Abiteboul would reveal the rumours were accurate as he defended the Enstone outfit’s move amid a severe backlash from other Formula 1 teams with a letter of complaint sent to FIA President Jean Todt and F1 CEO Chase Carey.
The reason for the unhappiness is, in his previous role, Budkowsky would be a go-to man for teams looking for clarification on design ideas as well as inspecting various factories. Now, teams are concerned he can take his knowledge of their designs and ideas and use them at Renault with the three-month gardening leave not long enough in their view.
Nevertheless, the team is pushing ahead and, making the announcement, Managing Director Cyril Abiteboul saw this as a key moment as Renault aims to be a front-running team once again.
“There have been a lot of positive changes these last few months at Renault Sport Racing with an accelerated expansion at Enstone, the restructuring of our engine deployment from Viry with the supply of two top customer teams for 2018, three titles in a row in an increasingly competitive Formula E championship and other motor racing categories, and the arrival of new strategic partners,” he claimed.
“All of this is happening in a context where the seasons are longer and more intense. It was clear that the Renault Sport Racing management structure needed reinforcing.
“Marcin’s mission will be to continue the strengthening of Enstone to enable Renault to join the top Formula 1 teams by 2020, through relying on the proven personnel of the likes of Bob Bell, Nick Chester and Rob White,” he added.
“Marcin’s arrival is excellent news and further proof of our determination to achieve our goals.”