Cyril Abiteboul joins Caterham as F1 team CEO

Abiteboul, currently working as deputy managing director of Renault Sport F1, will be reporting to Caterham Group CEO Riad Asmat and Chairman Tony Fernandes.

Abiteboul will stay in his current post at Renault until January 2013, but will also be working with Caterham from now.

"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," he said.

"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."

Team owner Fernandes said Abiteboul's arrival was a boost for his outfit.

"Cyril's appointment is more good news for our Formula 1 team," Fernandes said. "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."