It would appear that McLaren didn't ply (Renault team boss) Flavio Briatore with the required amount of bubbly at last Friday's FIA Awards in Monaco.

Hopeful that the Italian could be persuaded to release Fernando Alonso from his Renault contract early, in order that the Spaniard might test for the Woking team at Jerez this week, McLaren CEO Martin Whitmarsh admitted last week that he hoped that " two bottles of champagne" might be enough to get Briatore to change his mind and allow the World Champion to make his McLaren debut.

With Renault sources having previously told Pitpass that there was no chance of the Spaniard being released early, Briatore has now confirmed this, in his own inimitable way.

Still smarting from the secret deal which sees Alonso head to Woking, the Italian is clearly unhappy at the way the test issue has been handled. Italy's Gazzetta dello Sport quote his as saying: "McLaren sent their request to the wrong address. If they want Alonso to join them early they should talk to Renault and not to reporters."

In a further swipe at the Woking team and his former protege, the Italian added: "I don't think it is really so important.

"I wish Fernando a merry Christmas and a relaxing holiday," he added, "because when the new season starts we will beat him."

Ouch!