Famen: Briatore’s experience could be useful for Alpine

The appointment of Flavio Briatore, who had led the Enstone team at various points in its history, as executive advisor of Alpine F1, and his return to the paddock caused a noticeable reaction in the Formula 1 community.

Judging from a very brief official statement, then supported by the words of Briatore himself, he will report directly to Luca de Meo, the head of the entire Renault group.

At yesterday’s press conference, Bruno Famen, head of the Alpine F1 team, had to comment on this appointment. He made it clear that he is not ashamed of the controversial reputation of Flavio Briatore, who was involved in a scandal involving the manipulation of the result of the Singapore Grand Prix in 2008. However, the Italian himself has never admitted his guilt.

“Flavio certainly knows how to manage a team that can win,” said Famen. – He has an excellent track record, including several championship titles, and he will share his experience with the team and bring a fighting spirit. He is an advisor to the head of the entire concern, but he will advise the team and we will have to work together.

I’ve already answered questions about his past. I do not mind. I always look to the future and try to understand what can be done to make our team better. This is our only goal. I see the appointment of Flavio as a team advisor – this is an opportunity to take advantage of his experience, which can be useful to us.

He knows Formula 1 very well and I am confident that he can support us in our efforts to accelerate the development of the team, that’s all. I don’t look back, I look to the future. The goal is clear: to increase the competitiveness of the team as quickly as possible, and we need support to achieve this, so we are happy to have also acquired David Sanchez, who has taken on the position of technical director.

As for Flavio, his knowledge, his influence and his business connections will help improve the team. This is exactly the problem and it needs to be resolved as soon as possible. We try to use all possible means to strengthen the team.”

At the same time, some experts, commenting on Briatore’s new appointment, call it downright absurd, but it may be justified in the only case: if Renault plans to sell the team. The most experienced Italian manager can easily take on the role of intermediary, but Renault and Alpine assure at all levels that the team is not for sale.