Briatore puts positive spin on poor race

World champion Fernando Alonso retired while in second after suffering a mechanical problem in his car. It was Alonso's first retirement since last year's Canadian Grand Prix and the first time this season that Renault have failed to score any points.

Teammate Giancarlo Fisichella also retired after crashing on lap 23.

Renault's chances in the championship, however, remain intact after Ferrari endured similar misfortune, with Michael Schumacher retiring from third place and Felipe Massa scoring just one point.

With only five races remaining, Alonso is 11 points ahead of Schumacher and Renault nine in front of Ferrari.

"It was the team's mistake today that cost us the win with a car failure," said Briatore. "It has not been a nice day, and I am sorry for the team and Fernando: they all did a fantastic job in very demanding circumstances.

"But on these days, you have to think in terms of the championship as well, and nothing has changed - except we are one race closer to the end.

"What's more, we showed this weekend that we can bounce back strongly from a hard weekend like Hockenheim - and even from Fernando's penalty on Friday. That gives the advantage back to us at Renault, and we will be fighting hard to make the most of it in Turkey in three weeks' time."