Briatore attacks McLaren's 'lack of class'

Just two months after the 2005 season had ended, McLaren, runners-up to Renault in 2005, announced Alonso would join them when his contract with the French team expires at the end of this year.

The timing of the announcement made Briatore angry, although the Italian boss admitted he had no problems with Alonso's decision.

"From the sport point of view I have zero problem, zero, zero, zero problem," said Briatore during the launch of the new Renault in Monaco.

"But what I don't think was so classy was the way it was announced. I don't have a problem with Fernando driving for McLaren in 2007.

"Fernando wanted to drive for McLaren in 2007, he has made the choice, and I am very happy."

Briatore was very critical of Dennis, pointing out to that fact that the McLaren team chief had already done the same before.

At the end of 2003, McLaren announced Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya would join the team in 2005 while the Colombian was driving for Williams.

"Ron Dennis did the same last year," said Briatore. "I don't have any problem, but the way it was announced was simply not classy. It is the same story as last year with Montoya. Now I am curious to see what happens in 2007, for the drivers for 2008.

"I believe it is wrong to announce drivers one year early. This is wrong, as simple as that. But somebody is very consistent because it happened last year... But I want to talk about the present and we won the championship and Fernando is with us with car number one and we go racing in 2006.

"For 2007 we'll find out what McLaren do for 2008."