Alpine defend controversial Briatore return

Alpine team principal Bruno Famin has defended his squad's decision to sign Flavio Briatore to an executive advisor role.

Briatore previously held Famin's role at the Enstone-based team and was a key figure in the successful championship-winning period with Fernando Alonso.

However, Briatore stepped down from the position in light of the crashgate scandal and received a ban from FIA-sanctioned events, which was later overturned by the courts.

Famin has backed Briatore to offer a boost to Alpine who has struggled for results so far this season.

“I don't really mind about the past,” Famin told media including RacingNews365. 

“I'm always looking [to the] future and trying what we can get and to get our team better. And that's really our goal. 

“What I see with having Flavio as an advisor of the team is the opportunity to have his experience and to help us. 

“He has a very high-level knowledge of Formula 1. He knows a lot of people. And I'm sure he will support us in developing the team faster and better. That's all.”

Alpine using 'all available assets'

Alpine has scored just five points in the opening nine rounds, leaving it eighth in the constructors' championship.

Famin is confident that Briatore's signing, as well as the input from technical director David Sanchez, will help lift the squad up the pecking order.

“There is a very clear goal to improve the competitiveness of the team as soon as possible and as fast as possible,” Famin said.

“And we are looking for strong support. We are very happy to have received, again, David Sanchez, technical director, a very good opportunity. 

“We have been able to seize it very quickly. And same thing for Flavio, I think the target is to make the team better as soon as possible and counting on the knowledge, the network, the influence of Flavio with us, it's an asset. 

“We are using all available assets and we will still look for new assets to make the team stronger.”