Friday March 17th, 2000

Austrian Formula One driver Alexander Wurz welcomed Renault's takeover of his Benetton team on Friday and said it would be a huge boost to morale.

"The trend in Formula One is towards big engine manufacturers. They are always more engaged in the sport and they can guarantee the success of the team," he said.

"Renault has always come into Formula One to win and they always managed that."

Renault provided engines to Williams and Benetton between 1992 and 1997 and won six constructors' titles and five drivers championships between the two teams.

The French carmaker announced a $120 million takeover deal of the Italian team on Thursday.

Wurz said he was also pleased Italian Flavio Briatore was coming back to Benetton as team boss in place of outgoing Italian Rocco Benetton.

"Flavio brought me into Formula One," said the Austrian who started out as a Benetton test driver. "I have a good working relationship with him. He's always listened to me."

Italian Giancarlo Fisichella, Wurz's Benetton team mate, said he was sad Rocco Benetton was leaving but also welcomed the return of Briatore.

Briatore gave Fisichella his first drive in F1 with the Minardi team and was also instrumental in his joining Benetton after a tussle with Jordan.

"I hope to be able to celebrate already in Brazil," he said, looking forward to the next race on the calendar.

Briatore told Italy's Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper on Friday that Benetton was like a family to him.

"Only (Ferrari's French boss) Jean Todt knew that the negotiations were over," he said. "I talked at length with him on Wednesday night. What did I say to him? "Get ready, from next Monday the battle starts again."