Paris (AFP)

Frenchman Cyril Abiteboul, Renault's general manager and "team principal" in F1, is leaving the renowned Alpine team in 2021 and the automotive group, we learned in a statement on Monday.

To succeed him, Laurent Rossi, director of strategy and business development of the Renault group, is appointed to the post of general manager of the Alpine brand as of Monday, it is specified.

Rossi, 45, will be responsible for the "Alpine Cars, Sport, F1 and competition activities" of the French manufacturer, which is also due to participate in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) in the premier class, LMP1.

He will report to the group's CEO, Luca de Meo.

In September 2020, just arrived at the head of the French manufacturer, Mr. de Meo announced a reorganization of the group around four brands to aim for better product quality and higher margins.

All motor sports activities are now placed under the name Alpine, as in Formula 1 where blue-white-red is to replace Renault's yellow and black.

The Alpine brand is famous in the history of French and international motorsport for having secured many successes, especially in rallying in the 1970s.

This appointment comes a few days before the presentation by Mr. de Meo on Thursday of a new strategic plan for Renault.

Cyril Abiteboul, 43, joined Renault in 2001 and spent most of his career there, apart from a stint at the head of the Caterham F1 team from 2012 to 2014. He was the one who presided over the return. from the brand to the diamond in F1 as a manufacturer (and not just an engine manufacturer) in 2016.

His departure could allow the current Renault executive director in F1, the Franco-Polish Marcin Budkowski, to take the reins of the team, while the Italian Davide Brivio, successful leader in MotoGP, is approached within the organization chart of the team.

© 2021 AFP