Woking (Surrey), Jan 29 (IANS): McLaren Racing announced Wednesday that Eric Boullier has been appointed as racing director, effective from Monday. Boullier was expected to be named the team principal after he left the same role at Lotus F1.

Eric is one of the most capable trackside leaders in Formula 1. He has played the central role in Lotus’s recent successes, and brings with him extensive single-seater motorsport experience, having worked in senior positions in World Series by Nissan and A1 Grand Prix before moving up to F1.

"Working with Jonathan Neale (Chief Operating Officer) and his senior management colleagues within McLaren Racing, Eric will ultimately report to the Chief Executive Officer of McLaren Racing, an all-new position, whose yet-to-be-appointed occupant will in turn report directly to Ron Dennis (Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Group)," said McLaren in a statement.

Until such time as McLaren Racing CEO has been appointed, Neale will be acting in that role.

Boullier said: “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.

“I’m both eager and determined to play an active part, working alongside team’s other senior managers and directors, within a new operational structure, to bring about the changes that will deliver success."