Formula One news

Briatore glad with Renault turnaround

Reflecting on a challenging 2008 season for the Renault team, boss Flavio Briatore is happy with the dramatic turnaround that led to Fernando Alonso's two victories in Singapore and Japan.

"We are happy for the last part of the season," Briatore told reporters at Interlagos. "We had the victories and the podium but it was very disappointing in the first part of the season. The car was not ready in the beginning and we worked very hard to improve the ca."

"Fernando gave a lot of motivation to everybody. It would be nice if the season started now but unfortunately this is the last race," he added. "For me it is mixed feelings. It is better to finish strong in the end and this I hope is good for next season. It looked like we found a way to improve the car. We don't have the crisis like we had in 2006. We are happy as we finished the season very well and I hope we start the season in the same way."

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