Briatore welcomes Ferrari's return to form

Seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher finished in second place in the season-opening race in Bahrain after a race-long fight with Fernando Alonso.

The German Ferrari driver was only sixth in Malaysia after being hit by engine problems, but he is currently in second place in the standings, behind Alonso.

Briatore believes Schumacher's return to the top is good for Formula One.

"I think we have seen a fantastic show," said Briatore. "After the first race, we saw Ferrari were back, and that is good for everybody in Formula One.

"To have Fernando fighting with Michael increased the TV share everywhere, because Michael and Ferrari are fantastic assets for Formula One."

The Italian boss believes Alonso and Schumacher will be joined by Giancarlo Fisichella and McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen in the battle for this year's title.

"I think we can expect to see four drivers fighting for the championship," he added. "Fernando, of course. Michael if the car is right. Kimi. And Fisichella. He is strong in the team this year, and we have already seen what he can do in Malaysia."

Fisichella won the Malaysian Grand Prix last week, in what was his first win since the season-opener in 2005. The season proved hard for the Roman, who was plagued by problems, but Briatore believes Fisichella will bounce back this year.

"Eighty per cent of the problems he had were our fault," Briatore said. "He arrived last year without any experience of a top team, and he realised it was a different game, with a lot of pressure. This year, he has settled down, we can see he is more relaxed, and he has been very quick.

"He needs the luck, yes, but  that comes when you are strong and take risks, because you believe in yourself. I think he has started doing it."