Eric Boullier: “We know where we are going”

How did you become a Genii man?
“I met Gérard Lopez two years ago, when Dams was fielding pilots managed by Gravity Management, a Genii company. Then, Gravity changed its structures and we discussed which paths to take. He then hired me as General Manager of Gravity in September 2009. The transition went smoothly between my activities within the Dams team, with which I competed at the end of the GP2 season, counting- held to the contracts that we had and the moral contract that I had towards its pilots. And from September 2009, I emigrated to Genii, or rather Gravity, in Luxembourg. »

No project F1, resumption of Renault F1 or another team at that time?
" No. No project, or even idea of ​​a project. »

How did she come?
“It belongs to the bosses of Genii, on whom I depend only as Gravity. They were the ones who set up the project and spoke to me about it well after, during December. They asked me to accompany them on a few missions, no doubt to gain my expertise on certain very specific subjects, but at no time did I suspect them of having any interest in the takeover of Renault F1. »

You handed in your copies and then, once the operation was set up, they asked you to take the reins?
“People other than me had been approached for this role but, a priori, it did not work out. Oddly enough, my name also appeared on the list of ?possibles?? advanced by Renault. Working for Gravity, proposed by the partner? everything was done normally. I was treated to 72 hours of reflection, during which I slept pretty badly! To finally accept the offer. Because the task is arduous and complex! »

It's not easy to succeed a Flavio Briatore?
“I succeed him without succeeding him. Comparison is impossible. We are two totally different profiles, as will be the responsibilities and their distribution within the team. »

The full interview can be found in AUTOhebdo dated January 13, 2010…