Briatore relishing post-Alonso era

RENAULT boss Flavio Briatore is determined to prove the team can be successful without Fernando Alonso.

After helping Renault win the ‘double double’ for only the fourth time in Formula One history – successive drivers’ and constructors’ titles – Alonso has now joined McLaren.

Critics are predicting a season of struggle for the French marque, with Giancarlo Fisichella to be joined by Finnish newcomer Heikki Kovalainen.

Renault will also be without tyre suppliers Michelin following the decision by the sport’s governing body the FIA to revert to a sole tyre manufacturer from 2007, with Bridgestone scooping the deal.

But proving the doubters wrong is one of the reasons Briatore signed up with the team for another two years.

“The people saying we will not continue our success in 2007 are the same ones who said we had won the title in Canada, or that Ferrari had won by Monza,” countered Briatore.

“They are people making quick judgments, not looking at the facts. They see unknowns, where we see people we know and logical decisions.

“For me, there is a great motivation in beginning a new era without Fernando, and proving that the strength of Renault is about more than one person.

“The secret to our success was written on the cars in 2006: team spirit.

“More than anything, leading this amazing group of people is what motivates me to continue, and tackle the new challenges ahead.”

Briatore says he didn’t consider quitting, despite health problems which saw him undergo surgery to remove a kidney tumour in August.

“My problem was another hurdle in a year of challenges, but it made me stronger.”

“But we kept our focus, we were determined and we did the job.”