Simple request from the back to back ChampionFlavio Briatore has rejected reports that said the Renault boss put a hefty price-tag on
Fernando Alonso's one-day McLaren test last week.
Some sources claimed that with the Spanish world champion remaining under contract
until the last day of 2006, Briatore demanded more than $2.5 million from counterpart Ron Dennis so that Alonso could make an unbranded debut at Jerez last Friday.
Renault's Briatore insisted to the Spanish newspaper Diario As, however, that the temporary contract release was in recognition of their joint achievements and respect.
"Fernando has been with us for five years," Briatore said, "and in that time obtained two world titles.
"For that reason alone, and because he asked me for permission to test with his new team, I was happy to let him do it. There is nothing else to it."
Italian Briatore, meanwhile, said he is happy that the year is now in its last days.
He explained: "For me, 2006 has been stressful and I also had problems with my health. Fortunately, everything has ended well."
Source GMM
