Renault reveals plans for ex-FIA man Budkowski's role
Baku, January 5, AZERTAC
Renault has revealed details of its planned role for Marcin Budkowski, the ex-FIA Formula 1 technical director the French controversially hired to join its burgeoning F1 team for 2018, according to motorsport.com.
Following outcry from rival F1 teams that Budkowski could take their secrets with him to Renault, having had access to details of teams' future developments in his previous role checking eligibility for the FIA, Renault agreed to delay Budkowski's arrival at Enstone until April 1.
Renault insists Budkowski will not be involved in 2018 chassis development until that date, but says he joins Renault's payroll in January, when he will begin work by learning Renault's other motorsport activities and its corporate structure.
Renault F1 team boss Cyril Abiteboul said he understood his rivals' fears concerning Budkowski's appointment, but insists the ex-FIA man has not been hired simply to help Renault copy their ideas for its 2018 car.
"I can understand the scepticism of the teams, but we are not recruiting someone of the calibre of Marcin in a position of executive director just for what he knows of the other teams," Abiteboul told Motorsport.com, saying he believed Renault had agreed a plan for Budkowski's employment with the FIA that was "extremely fair with everyone".
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