Briatore expects Renault recovery in 2008

The reigning world champions have had just one podium finish this year and took an early decision to abandon development of this year's car in favour of focusing on their 2008 model.

Speaking ahead of the season closing Brazilian Grand Prix, Briatore said Renault have learned from the disappointments of this year.

When asked whether Renault would win again in 2008, he said: "There is no point making big claims at this stage, five months before the first race. But I see no logical reason why not.

"We know how to make a car for these tyres now, which we didn't a year ago. The wind tunnel results for the R28 look very promising. And the team is the same one; they haven't forgotten how to make a quick car. I have a good feeling that we can climb back to our normal position next year."

Briatore admitted that Renault expected more from this season, and believes the difficulties faced this year were a legacy of their season-long efforts to win the title in 2006.

"It has been a disappointment, but it has been a lesson for next season, when we will come back even stronger," he said.

"In many ways, our lack of performance was the result of the year we had in 2006: we had to push even harder in 2006 when the mass damper was banned, we started late with our 2007 car and we had trouble adjusting to the Bridgestone tyres. That left us on the back foot, and we haven't caught up during the season."

Briatore also reiterated that he is in no rush to finalise his team's driver line-up for next year, as the team continue to court Fernando Alonso.

"There is no rush to make an announcement at this stage. When we are ready and we have made our decision, we will announce it. But we are in a strong position with good options."

When asked whether or not Alonso was one of the team's options, Briatore said: "There has been a lot of talk but Fernando has a contract with another team for 2008. At the moment, he is focused on the championship battle, trying to win a third consecutive title. I have said before that if he was free we would be happy to have him back at Renault."