Former Lotus F1 Team Principal ERIC BOULLIER is joining McLaren in the newly created role of racing director, with RON DENNIS "in overall control," according to Alan Baldwin of REUTERS. McLaren said that "the Frenchman would start work at Woking" on Monday. The team said that Boullier would report to a yet-to-be-appointed McLaren Racing CEO, "who would in turn answer to group chairman, shareholder and former principal Dennis." JONATHAN NEALE "will fill the chief executive officer role temporarily" (REUTERS, 1/29). The BBC's Andrew Benson reported Boullier "will run the McLaren team" at the race tracks, charged with making sure it returns to winning races and contends for world championships. Last year it had its "worst season" since '80. A McLaren statement described Boullier as "one of the most capable trackside leaders in F1." However, the team has "not decided who the new CEO of McLaren Racing will be." Former Mercedes Team Principal ROSS BRAWN "has already been linked to a senior role at McLaren." Dennis admitted last month that "he had discussed the future with him" (BBC, 1/29). REUTERS' Alan Baldwin wrote JENSON BUTTON, the '09 champion now in his fifth year at McLaren, "welcomed Boullier's appointment." Button said, "I think it's good to have fresh ideas. I think he does add to the team. The team will never be changed by one individual, but I think he does add something and I think when the management structure is complete we will be in good shape" (REUTERS, 1/29).
