Friday March 31st, 2000

Q: Why are you back?

Flavio Briatore: I am back because of the package - Renault and a new challenge. Renault has won as an engine supplier but never with its own complete team. The fact it is coming back in 2002 gives me the time to reorganise the team. Therefore I decided to return to tackle this new and very exciting task, working with Renault, a company which knows exactly what it takes to win in Formula 1.

The sport has changed a bit since I was last in charge of the team. There are more big players, which is the way of the future for the sport. To be part of this new structure was a good enough incentive to come back and be part of the team.

Q: When you last ran the team you gave it a unique image and character, which might not be the right one for a major manufacturer. What do you think Renault expects?

Briatore: Renault chose me and they know exactly what I am like. A team is always a reflection of its team principal. I believe F1 is not just about technology. It is also about marketing and communication and it is difficult to communicate with a long face! You should not be communicating sadness, but happiness. F1 is a show and a big televisual event. I believe we must prepare ourselves to be competitive in 2002. To that end, I think it is important for everyone to work in a pleasant environment. I believe you can work hard, but in a nice, relaxed environment.

Q: Do you think you will be under more pressure from Renault than you were from the Benetton family?

Briatore: I've never been under any pressure from anyone in my life. Zero pressure from the Benetton family over our seven year period together and I expect zero pressure from Renault. Because I know where my limits are and I can put myself under pressure.

Q: What has gone wrong with Benetton over the past few years?

Briatore: In short, it has not been competitive and has not delivered the results. It has a structure which means it can be at the top. However, in the last few years, the team has lost some people and it has lost the "Instruction Book" on how to win. But, it has a very good factory with everything needed to win again. Renault made a good choice because everything is in place. What changes now, with Renault owning the team is that there is total complicity on the engineering front with no secrets between the engine and chassis side.

Q: Will Renault be actively involved in developing the chassis?

Briatore: Of course it will, because the team is Renault. It will happen very naturally for us. There will be a total exchange of people and information between these two companies which are now going to be part of the same organisation.

Q: How quickly can Renault win and be competitive?

Briatore: Renault was competitive all the way up to 1997. If they take over the team in 2002 then we should be competitive in 2003. But to be honest, I don't see why we would not be competitive one year earlier in 2002. Renault has everything needed to win. I don't get scared by anything. When I first joined Benetton, it was in the bottom part of the grid and while I was there it never finished lower than third in the championship. So I don't scare easily. Anyway, we are not so far off the pace now.

Q: How will the team be run?

Briatore: The board is very simple, consisting of Patrick Faure, myself and Christian Contzen. In Formula 1 you need to make quick decisions and this simple set-up will help us achieve that.

Q: Are you planning to stay in this job for a long time, or will you move on as soon as the team is competitive at the highest level?

Briatore: I know my limits and the moment I feel there is no more emotional excitement then it will be time to think again. For sure, I am not there for the salary. I am there because this is something I want to do.