F1 Team Profile: Renault

I am critical of the management of Renault - I can't get my head around how Robert Kubica, their number one driver and the key to their championship this year and their future was allowed to drive in a rally in a car of an opposition company. I don't see how that can be allowed to happen. "In one sense, you can't restrain drivers - some want to go skiing, some want to go motorbike riding, some want to go rallying. So he was unlucky.
"But the team were shaped around Kubica.
"Was Nick Heidfeld the right choice to stand in for him? Well, it could only have been him or Nico Hulkenberg, but personally if you're looking at the future and you don't know whether Kubica is going to be back or not, in the immediate future Hulkeknberg is probably the better choice.
"But Heidfeld is a good driver and a great friend of Jordan, and he is still only 33, despite having been around since 2000."

MEET THE BOSS - ERIC BOULLIER

Can you explain your team's philosophy in three words?
Integrity, passion, determination.
What is special about Renault?
I was born in the early 1970s and, as far back as I remember, the Renault name has been linked to motor racing. For all the F1 fans in France and around the world, this name is something special.
Also, I started my career as an engine engineer and in this era the team was a true legend. They pioneered turbocharged engines in F1, then retained the V10 architecture as the best possible in the 1990s.
Now, Renault F1 have won championships and many races. They know what it takes to be a winning team.
All team members are very dedicated and give their best every day. As Renault F1 is entering a new era, the whole team is ready for a new challenge. I'm proud to be part of it.
What is the most difficult thing about being a team boss?
Nothing is too challenging or difficult if you are surrounded by a great team! More seriously, the most difficult task is maybe to give everybody the time they deserve. The human side of the job is very important. I think it's the key to success.
What kind of team boss are you - hairdryer treatment or arm around the shoulder?
Arm around shoulder, tough when needed, but always fair.

RENAULT FACTS AND STATS Nationality: French Headquarters: Enstone (UK) and Paris (France) Debut season: 1977 Drivers: Nick Heidfeld Vitaly Petrov Test/reserve drivers: Bruno Senna and Romain Grosjean Team principal: Eric Boullier Technical director: James Allison Engine: Renault V8 2010 position: 5th Constructors' titles: 2

What is F1's biggest challenge?
The main challenge is to keep and nurture the fans, and continually improve the show. Without them we are nothing.
For 2010, we have a fantastic grid, new teams and rules to improve the show, so we look forward to the start of the season.
There's also a fantastic challenge for F1 in the years to come - the technologies we'll use in the near future absolutely need to take the environment parameter into account. The FIA are working hard on it, and I give them all my support.
Does F1 need road-car manufacturers?
Definitely. Road-car manufacturers have been involved in the sport throughout its history; Renault have been in the sport for over 30 years and our 2010 car's striking black-and-yellow colours demonstrate Renault's commitment to F1.
The sport just wouldn't be the same without manufacturers. Road-car manufacturers are what connects fans with the sport in their everyday life.
The best piece of advice you've ever given a driver is...
Bring back the car on three wheels if you need to, but I want to start from pole!
The best piece of advice I have ever received is...
Always be fair to people you work with. Those you deal with on your way to the top, you may find again if you're falling down one day.
What was you first paid job?
Engine engineer.
What time do you set your alarm clock for?
6.30am.