FIA's Budkowski to join Renault as executive director

Renault has confirmed it has appointed the FIA's head of F1 technical department Marcin Budkowski as an executive director.

Budkowski resigned his position a week ago, with the FIA confirming he would only have to serve a three-month "gardening leave" period. The development led to a number of teams taking major issue with the departure, with Budkowski having had access to numerous technical plans and clarifications sought by the teams ahead of 2018.

Renault managing director Cyril Abiteboul later confirmed that Budkowski is due to start work with the team in April of 2018, later than expected based on the period of leave stated by the FIA.

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"There have been a lot of positive changes these last few months at Renault Sport Racing with an accelerated expansion at Enstone, the restructuring of our engine deployment from Viry with the supply of two top customer teams for 2018, three titles in a row in an increasingly competitive Formula E championship and other motor racing categories, and the arrival of new strategic partners," Abiteboul said.

"All of this is happening in a context where the seasons are longer and more intense. It was clear that the Renault Sport Racing management structure needed reinforcing.

"Marcin's mission will be to continue the strengthening of Enstone to enable Renault to join the top Formula 1 teams by 2020, through relying on the proven personnel of the likes of Bob Bell, Nick Chester and Rob White. Marcin's arrival is excellent news and further proof of our determination to achieve our goals."

Based on the timing of Budkowski's resignation from the FIA, it is expected he will be able to start work at Renault by the start of January in preparation for next season.

FIA director of Formula 1 Charlie Whiting has assumed Budkowski's responsibilities at the governing body until a replacement is found.