Briatore expects Alonso to be focused

Although Alonso has gone public with his decision to turn his back on Renault at the end of next season, Briatore believes that the team and driver will put their off-track issues behind them in 2006.

"[Fernando Alonso] is a very professional and fully focused young man, who knows how to motivate the entire team," Briatore told Gazzetta dello Sport. "He well knows what the responsibilities of a racing driver outside the car are, and he's a fantastic fighter.

"Our objective is clear: to show that the success in 2005 didn't come by chance. Therefore we want to do it again, even though we know it'll be tough because our rivals have gotten stronger."

Alonso's teammate Giancarlo Fisichella believes that there may be some repercussions for the Spaniard, however, and has hinted that the team may act different to him from now on.

Speaking in this week's Autosport, Fisichella said: "It could be good for me. Maybe the team will change the way they act towards Fernando."