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.