F1: Eric Boullier replaces the departing Bob Bell at Renault

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From GMM and Renault F1 Team

Former team principal Bob Bell has left the Renault Formula 1 Team, the Enstone-based squadron announced on Wednesday.

The team added that Eric Boullier , Team Principal since January 5 2010, will take over the role of Managing Director with immediate effect.

Bob Bell (Photo: Renault F1 Team)

"We would like to thank Bob Bell for his contribution to the performance of the team and for helping see us through a period of transition since Genii Capital became a shareholder in the team," said majority team owner and chairman Gerard Lopez.

Bob Bell, 52, joined McLaren as an aerodynamicist in the 80s before switching to Enstone based Benetton in 1997.

He moved to Jordan in 1999 and returned to Benetton – now Renault – in 2001 as deputy technical director, becoming technical director to replace Mike Gascoyne in 2003.

Is he en route to Team Lotus?