Renault F1 Team President Alain Dassas has announced that he is to leave.
The popular frenchman took over the role in 2006, but is now leaving for a chief financial role at Nissan Automotive.
Bernard Rey will replace him.
“My time as President of the Renault F1 Team has been a rich, rewarding experience in personal and professional terms,” said Dassas.
“The Renault F1 Team is a world-class group of highly-motivated, competitive individuals and it has been a privilege to take part in the adventure.
“From a professional point of view, we have achieved the objective set when I assumed this role: to engineer a detailed, long-term commitment to Renault’s Formula One future. The team is in good health, and well-placed to return to the front of the field next season.
“I wish them every success and while I look forward to my next challenge within the Renault Nissan Alliance, I will remain one of the team’s most loyal supporters.”
Dassas did remain positive about Renault’s 2008 future saying,
“The team is already working hard preparing for the 2008 season, and the target is obviously to return to the front of the field, where Renault belongs,” he said.
“So far, the situation looks positive and on the financial side, everything is in place for the team to do so.
“The team’s title partner, ING, has demonstrated a strong commitment to the sport and is already one of the best known in Formula One. We have established a very good working relationship between the two companies at every level.
“In addition, we recently announced a substantial programme of technology investment at Enstone to ensure the team maintains its on-track competitiveness. Motivation is very high, and I am confident the team can be competitive from 2008.”
