Renault man Abiteboul joins Caterham

21/09/2012

Caterham has further expanded its team of directors as it announces that Cyril Abiteboul, currently Deputy Managing Director of Renault Sport F1, will join the team as CEO.

In his new role, Abiteboul will be responsible for all the Caterham F1 team's on and off-track operations, reporting to Caterham Group CEO Riad Asmat and Chairman Tony Fernandes. Until January 2013 he will split his duties between Caterham and Renault Sport F1 to finalise ongoing projects.

"I am delighted that Cyril has accepted our offer to join us as CEO of Caterham F1 Team and I am sure his appointment will have an immediate positive effect on our continuing development and growth as a force in Formula One," said Riad Asmat. "We have been looking for the right person to lead the F1 team for a considerable period and Cyril fits all the criteria we set out in identifying the right CEO for our team. He is a key part of our long-term development and will help us to build on the foundations we have created since we first entered the sport in September 2009."

"Cyril's appointment is more good news for our team," added Tony Fernandes. "As CEO he will lead our F1 operation and will work closely with Riad, who can now turn his full attention to the continuing growth of the wider Caterham Group which is already active in the automotive, aerospace and marine industries. Cyril will also strengthen the excellent relationship that we have with Renault, particularly as we work towards the introduction of the new engine regulations in 2014 when engines will play an even greater role in overall car performance. "

"I am obviously really happy to join this team that is still only in its third year and I would like to thank Tony, Kamarudin and Riad for this fantastic opportunity," said Abiteboul: . The vision, enthusiasm and appetite of the shareholders and the whole team will be very precious strengths to help us tackle the many challenges we have ahead as we continue to develop the F1 platform and hopefully make our way up through the grid. The multi-cultural character of the group of people in the team, together with the business and industrial project that the F1 activity serves under the Caterham Group umbrella made it an obvious choice for me after 11 great years with Renault to whom I can never be thankful enough for all I have been able to learn and experience throughout my time with them."

"While we are sad to see Cyril leave Renault Sport F1, we are delighted that he has such a fantastic career opportunity," said Jean-François Caubet, managing director of Renault Sport F1. "Additionally we are always eager to see our partner teams progress and - knowing the full extent of Cyril's capabilities - he will perform excellently in his new role to aid Caterham F1 Team achieve their aims. Meanwhile Cyril will conclude ongoing projects in the remainder of his time with us to ensure a smooth transition process."