Briatore: Renault have quickest car

Although Fernando Alonso lost out to Michael Schumacher in last weekend's Chinese Grand Prix, Briatore reckons his team are favourites for the race in Japan thanks to a faster car.

"Our chances are good, because we're convinced we have the fastest car at the moment," Briatore told Gazzetta dello Sport. "In China we dominated and it was us throwing the race away a bit.

"We had a bigger than expected problem with graining on Alonso's tyres: we thought we'd lose a couple of seconds per lap, not four. This killed us. On top of that Shanghai is one of those circuits where you can't overtake, so once we were behind we stayed there."

Asked what weather he would prefer for Sunday's race in Japan, Briatore said: "We've demonstrated we can be very quick in any situation, so whatever God sends us we'll take."

Briatore also dismissed suggestions by Alonso that some people at Renault will not be happy if he wins the title and takes the number one to McLaren next season.

"That's nonsense, but I understand his bitterness after losing a race that way," said Briatore. "I'm still convinced we can win both championships. If Alonso wins his title it's easier for us to win the constructors'. It's all to play for."