Briatore will have a new role in 2009!

Flavio Briatore, current Renault F1 boss, will experience a change of position within the French car manufacturer in 2009. A team principal will be appointed.

Briatore’s current contract with Renault expires at the end of the season, and he has so far refused to commit to a new agreement.

However, Briatore told the Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport that he will certainly remain with the French team but in a new position.

In 2009, I would not have a 360-degree view of the team, Briatore said, who was scheduled to meet Renault’s CEO Carlos Ghosn in Paris today to discuss his future.

« There will be a director, whose task will be team management. I already have someone in mind for this position. As for me, I will be able to focus on more important things. »

Briatore is also optimistic about the chances of seeing his team regain the level of performance that allowed them to win two titles in 2005 and 2006.

« There are cycles in F1. In these challenging times, Carlos Ghosn doesn’t want to cut the budgets. F1 is not just a matter of money; otherwise, Toyota would win every race. »

« At Renault, we had to update the entire aerodynamics department. We are now in a strong position with the right people, young and capable, » continued the Italian.

Briatore believes that an extra dose of work is necessary to convince Fernando Alonso to stay. He thinks a final decision will only come once the season is over.

The victory in Singapore hasn’t changed much. I think Fernando would be happy to stay, but we will answer that question when the championship ends.