Zoom Renault pinning hopes on new signing Alonso

Renault has upped its budget for 2008 in a bid to return to the winner's rostrum, team boss Flavio Briatore revealed to the Italian press.

"We have strengthened our technical structure, increased our budget by 30 million euros, and Alonso wants to win races with us again in 2008," he told the sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Briatore has high praise for his former protégé, who after securing his second consecutive title for Renault in 2006 switched to McLaren for what turned out to be one unhappy year.

"Alonso is the best in the world, together with Michael Schumacher," the 57-year-old Italian said.

"Actually he makes even fewer mistakes than Michael. When we were apart, neither of us won."

Briatore is hopeful that, with Alonso again at the wheel, Renault can shine in 2008.

"I am sure that we will have a fast and competitive car and in 2008 be among the front-runners," he said.

Source GMM
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