Image by Steven Tee/LAT
Ex-McLaren chief Boullier joins French GP group
Eric Boullier has taken an official role with the French Grand Prix, his first confirmed position since leaving McLaren last summer.
After its poor start to 2018, McLaren removed racing director Boullier and made a number of changes to its technical department. The former Lotus team principal had already been involved with the return of the French Grand Prix at Paul Ricard, and the Frenchman has now been named as having the dual role of strategic advisor and global ambassador for the race.
"I am happy and proud to have the opportunity to collaborate again with the French Grand Prix organization,” Boullier said. “I attach particular importance to this French Grand Prix and I look forward to contributing to the success of this major motorsport event. I thank Christian Estrosi for his trust and I am delighted to bring him my experience and my determination.”
Estrosi, president of the French Grand Prix, says Boullier’s experience within motorsport made him an ideal candidate to help make the race a success.
“I am delighted to welcome Eric Boullier to the French Grand Prix organization,” Estrosi said. “During his 20 years in the sport, he has been a driving force in the development of every team he has worked with. Eric has advanced technical and sporting knowledge, a unique experience, and I have already benefited greatly from his advice and expertise during our working group for the return of the French Grand Prix.”
The French Air Force aerobatics team, La Patrouille de France, salutes the 2018 French GP grid. Image by Andy Hone/LAT.
Last year was the first edition of the race back at Paul Ricard since the early 1990s, and the event was marred by significant traffic problems for fans due to poor access to the circuit. The race has since developed an “enhanced mobility scheme” in an attempt to avoid a repeat of those issues.
A park-and-ride system for 4,000 cars will be in place in 2019, as well dedicated car pool lanes and smaller parking lots that feature individual access routes. The race is also introducing a "tailor-made digital mobility scheme app that is to offer live solutions” to spectators attempting to travel to and from the circuit.
Chris Medland
While studying Sports Journalism at the University of Central Lancashire, Chris managed to talk his way into working at the British Grand Prix in 2008 and was retained for three years before joining ESPN F1 as Assistant Editor. After three further years at ESPN, a spell as F1 Editor at Crash Media Group was followed by the major task of launching F1i.com’s English-language website and running it as Editor. Present at every race since the start of 2014, he has continued building his freelance portfolio, working with international titles. As well as writing for RACER, his broadcast work includes television appearances on F1 TV and as a presenter and reporter on North America's live radio coverage on SiriusXM.
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