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Alonso truly 'great' - Briatore

ESPNF1 Staff
August 2, 2011 « Horner expects Webber talks | »
Flavio Briatore has maintained close relations with Fernando Alonso since his move to Ferrari © Sutton Images
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Flavio Briatore says that Fernando Alonso "is one of the few great drivers" and deserves to beat Michael Schumacher's record of titles at Ferrari.

Briatore, who is still involved in the management of Alonso, ranks the double-world champion alongside the likes of Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost, while also highlighting Michael Schumacher but then describing Alonso as "a little better". Briatore was team principal when Alonso won both his title at Renault and has been linked with a future role at Ferrari, but he said regardless of his presence Alonso can win many more championships.

"I think Fernando Alonso can win the championship at Ferrari without Flavio Briatore," Briatore told Onda Cero. "Fernando deserves to be the best driver in history. He has decided to be with Ferrari until the end of his career and I hope he can get the cars to win more titles than Schumacher.

"If he had that car (the RB7), Fernando would be winning by a huge margin. He is one of the few great drivers with Senna, Prost and Schumacher."

When asked about Alonso's ability compared to Schumacher, Briatore ranked the pair closely but still sided with his current client.

"They are two totally different drivers. Fernando is a little better, because when Michael becomes depressed, he falls back, while in the same situation Fernando's concentration sharpens."

Briatore also refused to rule out a move to Ferrari in the future, despite being banned from an operational role in Formula One until 2013.

"I am a Ferrari tifoso (supporter), but in life you never know - anything can happen."

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