‘Smaller teams might be at the front of grid’

Renault F1 boss Flavio Briatore talks to DNA about the upcoming season.

Why are so many changes taking place in one year in the sport?
An overall change in the regulations was work in progress for quite a while. What was less predicted was the financial climate, which is having an impact on Formula One and this means that we must think carefully about how to restructure the sport. We have made good progress in this direction since we created FOTA (Formula One Team Association) in July 2008 and the decisions taken so far have already reduced the costs. We aim to continue to considerably reduce costs by 2010.

Do you think Formula One will be able to retain big manufacturers in the future?
If all the measures proposed by FOTA are implemented, Formula One will halve its costs by 2010 (from 2008).

In this case, manufacturers have stated they are prepared to commit till 2012.

Is ING’s pullout a blow to the team?
We have enjoyed a very successful and fruitful partnership with ING. However, we are confident we can find new partners
because F1 offers a very appealing package to investors.

Are you satisfied with the 2009 car?
We are reasonably satisfied with the way testing of the R29 has been going. With new regulations for this coming season, it is difficult to talk about a benchmark, considering the fact that all teams have had a clean sheet of paper to work from.

What is your prediction for this season?
It is possible that we will have some surprises. Smaller teams might be at the front of the grid and bigger teams might be in the middle of the grid.

What are you expecting from Fernando Alonso?
Fernando has worked extremely hard last year in helping the team develop the car throughout the year. We continue to enjoy working with him and I know that he is happy and comfortable with the team. I expect Fernando to carry on working very hard this year. As a team, our aim is to compete on top of the grid. We want to fight for podiums and hope to be a championship title contender. We are more motivated than ever.

What is your opinion about F1 coming to India?
Formula One coming to India is wonderful and we are very excited by it. In fact, Renault F1 Team held a road show in New Delhi last November. The event, which took place on the Rajpath, was a huge success. It was the first time that a motorsport event of such magnitude was being held on the streets of any city in India. We know that there is an ever-growing positive of interest in Formula One in India.

Which have been your best years… winning with Benetton in 1994 and 1995 or with Renault in 2005 and 2006?
Renault has an important history of winning. Of course winning the 2005 and 2006 championships is something that makes me very proud, personally and for the team. However, the championships won with Benetton in 1994 and 1995 are fond memories as well, we were a small but strong team back then. It was at the beginning of my career in Formula One and therefore, winning was particularly gratifying.

Have you set a retirement date for yourself?
As long as I enjoy doing what I do, I will continue my work. Formula One is undergoing significant changes at the moment and I want to give my contribution and be a part of these important times to shape the future of the sport.