Briatore tips Alonso for F1 glory

Fernando Alonso's experience will see him beat McLaren team-mate Lewis Hamilton to the Formula One title, believes Flavio Briatore.

Englishman Hamilton is only four points ahead of Spain's Alonso, who could capture his third title in a row.

Renault owner Briatore said: "The guy at the front has the most pressure. For me the favourite is still Fernando.

"He has the experience, he has been here before, and he has always been fast in Brazil, a difficult track."

Briatore, Alonso's former boss, said 22-year-old rookie Hamilton would be the most nervous driver, having been top of the standings since May.

Hamilton and Alonso have been involved in a thrilling battle all season, with the lead as big as 12 points two races ago, when the Briton won in Japan.

However, Hamilton's retirement in China opened the door for his rival and Finland's Kimi Raikkonen, who is seven points behind the leader.

Aside from their dual on the track, the season has also been marked by a deterioration in the McLaren drivers' relationship, with the Spaniard accusing his team of favouring Hamilton.

The FIA has appointed a special steward to watch the Interlagos race, but Briatore does not expect anything untoward to take place.

However, he would welcome back his former charge if Alonso does leave McLaren at the end of the season.

"I think he will be given fair treatment and he has the mental strength to do the job," the Italian told the Daily Mirror.

"If he is not contracted to another team we would be happy to have him back at Renault."

Source: BBC Sport