Briatore: Alonso will grow at Ferrari

Flavio Briatore described Alonso’s transfer as a highlight in the Spaniard’s career. Briatore, who was permanently banned from any involvement in an FIA-labeled sport, managed Fernando Alonso’s career and was his boss at Renault when the Iberian clinched his two world titles.

He thinks that Alonso will reach even greater heights with Ferrari and that he will bring a lot to the Scuderia: “I think Ferrari has made an excellent deal, and that Alonso will gain much satisfaction,” stated Briatore to the *Gazzetta dello Sport*.

«For him, after all, going to Ferrari is the pinnacle of a fantastic career. His greatest quality, for the team he races with, is his consistency in performance. He is always prepared, always on the edge on every circuit. He is charismatic with the engineers and works tremendously hard. He never gives up. He is fantastic, fast, intelligent, an extremely incisive racing driver. He is a gladiator on the track. »

Flavio Briatore did not fail to express his gratitude towards Alonso’s gesture in Singapore. Indeed, Alonso dedicated his third place to Briatore: “Fernando was really nice. That he dedicated his podium to me made me really happy,” he said.

As for Fernando Alonso, he confirmed earlier in the day that he consulted Flavio Briatore about this team change. « I was already discussing with Flavio two months ago, when we were talking about 2011. And also during these last few days, when everything was being decided for 2010. He was really delighted for me because he knows what Ferrari means and he is extremely happy for my career. »

The new Ferrari driver also added that he spoke with Flavio Briatore once the deal was concluded and that the Italian did not seem concerned about taking action against the FIA to lighten his penalty. “I spoke to him on the phone, but he didn’t seem worried at the time,” Alonso said. “Yesterday, he was relaxing at the beach, so he doesn’t seem angry at the moment…”