Motor racing-Executive director Budkowski leaves Alpine F1 team

FILE PHOTO: Renault F1 Team's Executive Director Marcin Budkowski attends a news conference ahead of the new Formula One 2020 season, in Paris, France, February 12, 2020. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes

(Reuters) - Executive director Marcin Budkowski has left the Renault-owned Alpine Formula One team, where he effectively ran day-to-day operations, with immediate effect.

Alpine said in a statement on Thursday that chief executive Laurent Rossi would temporarily step in to ensure preparations for next season continued smoothly.