McLaren Mercedes has confirmed the appointment of former Lotus team principal Eric Boullier as its race director.

The Frenchman’s exit from Lotus was announced last Friday. He has been replaced by team co-chairman Gerard Lopez.

Rumours immediately after the confirmation linked him to a move to McLaren, but as team principal. He will now join the team and start his new role on February 3rd, as part of a senior management restructuring at McLaren, and will report to the yet to be confirmed chief executive officer of the F1 team, which is an all new position.

“First of all, I regard this appointment as an honour, a privilege and a wonderful opportunity,” said Boullier.

“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.

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