Team Principal Eric Boullier has over a decade’s experience in top-line motorsport. Having graduated in 1999, he quickly put his engineering skills to good use as he joined DAMS as a race engineer to work on their F3000 and Le Mans programmes.

By 2002 he was working for Racing Engineering as Chief Engineer, helping the team win the World Series by Renault. A move to management soon followed as Eric returned to DAMS in 2003 both as Managing and Technical Director to oversee the team’s activities in various categories including GP2.

In 2007 he was appointed as Team Principal for A1GP Team France and led the squad to the series title in 2008.

At the start of the 2010 season, the he was appointed Team Principal of the Renault F1 Team and also took on the role of Managing Director during the season.

In 2011 he headed up Lotus Renault GP, and will continue to lead the Enstone-based outfit under its new identity of Lotus F1 Team in 2012.

What’s the best looking F1 car ever?

I liked the look of the cars when the aero rules were more open and allowed lots of additions to the bodywork. The 2005 Renault looked amazing, as did the 2007 Mclaren.

Best car you’ve ever worked on?

I enjoyed engineering the Cadillac works car at Le Mans. We had the might of a manufacturer behind us and there was a lot of freedom to help with the design of the car.

Best racing memory?

My first win. It was 2002 in Valencia when I was engineering Frank Montagny in the World Series. But I’m sure that my first win in Formula 1 will feel even more special…

Favourite track?

I have to say Suzuka because it has everything: quick corners, technical sections and an incredible first sector. Seeing the cars on the limit there is always special.