Speaking to Auto Motor Und Sport, Renault boss, Flavio Briatore, made it clear that there is little love lost between he and McLaren boss Ron Dennis.

Asked if he thought that by announcing his signing of Fernando Alonso, Dennis was attempting to "destabilise" the French team, the Italian replied: "It is not the first time, that he does it. Remember Montoya. He was telling every-body, that he is going to have the best driver line-up in the world. For me that are excuses. McLaren needs good news. He did not get them on the track, so he has to produce them outside. McLaren did not win a championship since 1999. We at Renault like to sell results as good news. Ron rather sells the future."

And how does Briatore feel that Alonso will perform with the Woking team?

"Important is that he fits in Renault," said the Italian. "That is the team he is driving for in 2006. What happens in 2007 is not my problem."

Finally, asked whether F1 is simply business for him, or whether there is a certain amount of passion, Flavio hit back with: "If it was just a business, I would not have been around for such a long time.

"I can tell you, what feeds my passion," he added. "To beat people like Ron Dennis".