Nielsen to leave Renault, Wickham to join

Steve Nielsen has resigned as sporting director at the Renault team, it emerged just before the Canadian grand prix on Sunday.

The BBC reported from the Montreal circuit that the Briton, whose tenure in the prominent role takes back to the Flavio Briatore-led period, will stay on board only until September’s Singapore grand prix.

The British broadcaster said boss Eric Boullier would not comment but the move is reportedly part of a management reshuffle in order to improve the efficiency of the now Genii-owned and Group Lotus-sponsored team.

It is also believed John Wickham, formerly of the Footwork/Arrows team in F1 and most recently head of operations in the A1 series, is set to join Enstone-based Renault.

Wickham has been seen at grands prix this season.

Renault has been contacted for comment.