Flavio Briatore in full confidence… Alonso? Possible

As the 2007 season is about to conclude with the Brazilian event in a few days, Flavio Briatore from Renault gives an initial assessment of the year.

While making no official announcement, he shares his feelings on the performances of his drivers, Kovalainen and Fisichella, and responds to the various rumors that are currently making headlines. This includes a certain Alonso who is holding up the transfer market and who, if he decided to return to the French team, would make his director very happy…

Flavio, what is your perspective on Renault’s 2007 season?

« It was disappointing, but it was also full of lessons for the next season. We should come back even stronger. In a way, our performance deficit this year was the consequence of the 2006 season, at the end of which we had to fight even harder to compensate for the loss of vibration dampers. We started our 2007 program a bit late and struggled to adapt to Bridgestone tires. This destabilized us, and we couldn’t make up for our lag during the season. »

Will the Renault 2008 be able to aim for victory?

« There’s no point in saying things like that today, five months before the first race. But I see no logical reason preventing us from aiming for victory next year. We now know how to design a chassis suited to Bridgestone tires, something we didn’t know how to do a year ago. Moreover, the wind tunnel results for the R28 are promising. Finally, the team is the same: it hasn’t forgotten how to design a fast car. I have a good feeling and I think we can return to a more normal level next season.

Are you discussing the performances of your two drivers, Giancarlo Fisichella and Heikki Kovalainen…

Giancarlo did a good, solid job this year. His asset is his experience, and that was very important for us at the start of the season, when the car’s performance wasn’t good. Look at races like Monaco: he got 100% out of the equipment at his disposal. He knows what a car capable of competing for the world title is like, and he helped guide our development. I’m very happy with him. As for Heikki, the start was difficult. But since mid-season, the talent we were talking about has come to the fore. When you start in F1, it’s hard to shine in a car that isn’t top-notch. To me, Heikki has been one of the revelations of the season. He improves with every race.

When will you announce the identity of your drivers for the 2008 season?

« There is no urgency at this stage. When we are ready and when we have made a decision, we will make an announcement. But we are in a good position and the various options we are considering are good. »

Is Fernando Alonso part of these options?

« Everyone has talked a lot about this, but Fernando has a contract with another team for 2008. For now, he is focusing on the 2007 championship and is trying to win a third consecutive title. As I have already said, we would be very happy to welcome him to Renault if he were free. »

The team supplied engines to Red Bull Racing this year. A success?

« I think so. Our engine is reliable and competitive, our approach has been based on openness and fair play. Red Bull benefited from the same equipment and technical support as the Renault team and this is a unique situation in the paddock. Their performances have also demonstrated the quality of Renault technology. »

Last year at this time, Renault was competing for a title. Today, who do you think can take the crown?

« I think the three drivers in the fight have enormous pressure on their shoulders. And in these conditions, it’s the leader of the standings who has to manage the most pressure. For me, the favorite is still Fernando. He has the experience, he’s been there before, and he has always been very fast at Interlagos, an atypical and difficult circuit. I think he will receive fair treatment, and he has the mental strength to accomplish his mission. But many other factors could come into play and have a role: Massa, or even other teams. It will be a high-tension weekend, a fantastic showcase for F1. »

According to ING Renault F1 Team