“Alonso has never said he wants to leave. Ferrari-Alonso remains a winning
pairing.”
Asked by Gazzetta dello Sport whether Alonso was tempted to join the
reigning triple world champions, Briatore replied: “No. No temptation
whatsoever.”
Instead, Briatore feels it is up to Ferrari to raise their own game and
provide Alonso with a car that can clinch the title.
“It’s normal for a racing driver to desire a competitive car and the team must
work hard to supply it. End of story,” said Briatore.
“He needs to have at his disposal a car that allows him to start from the top
two rows.
“We knew it would be tough in Hungary, as it was when I was (team principal)
at Renault. They need to quickly find the instruction manual at Maranello.”
Briatore, who also manages Mark Webber, believes the Australian has made a
wrong call to quit Formula One to join Porsche’s sportscar programme, even
if he can understand his reasoning.
“He was already tired at the end of last season,” said Briatore.
“It is his decision, even if it’s wrong in my opinion, because he’s still
quick, as he showed last Sunday.
“Had Mark decided to stay for another year, the seat would be his.”
(Edited by Giles Mole)