F1 team Caterham has promoted CYRIL ABITEBOUL to the role of team principal with immediate effect. He will combine that role with his current responsibilities as CEO, a post he took up in September (Caterham). In London, Andrew Benson wrote that Abiteboul is the youngest team principal in F1. At 35, Abiteboul is also younger than four of the current drivers on the circuit. The Frenchman is the former deputy chair of Renault Sport, Caterham's engine supplier. TONY FERNANDES, who also owns EPL Queens Park Rangers, will remain as owner, along with business partner DATO KAMARUDIN MERANUN (BBC.com, 11/8). Also in London, Tom Cary reported that Abiteboul said, "We have big challenges ahead of us, but the shareholders are committed and behind us to help us take significant steps forward over the coming years, and one day challenge for the highest honours in F1." Fernandes "has backed" the Frenchman to push the team to new heights. Fernandes said, "Cyril is going to be an excellent team principal. He has extensive experience in F1, he is extremely well respected, and he shares our vision for what we want our team to achieve" (TELEGRAPH, 11/8).
