Zoom Aiming to return to winning ways with Alonso

Flavio Briatore, Managing Director of Renault's F1 programme, says he first discussed the return of Fernando Alonso to the French outfit as early as the first Grand Prix of the 2007 season.

Alonso has re-joined Renault for the forthcoming season after a turbulent year with McLaren Mercedes, but Briatore admitted the idea of the Spaniard's return was first mooted at the Australian Grand Prix.

Sport Bild asked the Italian when he first had contact with Alonso about a return to Renault, and the surprising answer was March 18 at the Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit.

"It is not a joke," Briatore insisted. "It was not difficult to get Alonso back, we know each other well and even though he was with McLaren we spoke about a possible return."

Alonso, who finished third in last season's championship, split with McLaren at the end of November and re-joined Renault where he had spent four seasons.

Briatore says he has no apprehensions regarding Alonso's form this year, despite Alonso's well documented problems at McLaren.

"I do not like it when team-mates fight amongst themselves, they both have to work for the team, but it should not be forgotten that Fernando won two world championships with us."

The new season starts with the Australian Grand Prix on 16th March and Briatore says he would be happy with a podium finish for either Alonso or new team-mate Nelson Piquet.

E.A. © CAPSIS International
Source: AFP