Renault plan to renew Briatore's contract

Briatore's contract with the team runs out at the end of this year and Dassas, who took over from Patrick Faure in March, has said he wants a fresh deal to be completed with the flamboyant Italian.

And although Renault have been surrounded by speculation that their F1 future is in doubt, Dassas has said he sees no reason why the reigning world champions will not continue, providing planned cost cuts are seen through.

"F1 impassions Renault," said Dassas in an interview with AFP. "We want to continue. We have good results and we need good profitability - which can come with reasonable costs. There are plans (to do this) - nothing is certain but they do exist.

"As for our involvement, there are facts: we have signed for 2008 and Flavio has done some extraordinary work. His contract expires this year and it should be renewed. In terms of drivers, Flavio is occupied on this and it will be necessary to replace (Fernando) Alonso.

"After 2008, nothing is certain. But, if we continue to lower the costs, we will be there. To attract drivers, like sponsors, one needs stability and from June we will have made our case."

Dassas has made it clear that he is happy to leave the running of the team to Briatore while he focuses on the larger financial situation surrounding the sport.

"I have always followed F1, but I am not an expert. Briatore will run the races, and co-ordinate within the team where he has done extraordinary work.

"Me, I will try to spread the success in F1 - to look at the economic equation, like how to increase the income, negotiate for a more favourable distribution of the revenues and reduce costs."

When asked about Renault's plans to replace Alonso, who will leave the team to join McLaren in 2007, Dassas said: "I regret the departure of Fernando, but that is life. Business is business - and there is nothing more shocking than that. 

"As for his replacement, Flavio will give us his plans. The choice of drivers is one of his specialities - he found Alonso and Heikki Kovalainen."