F1: Flavio Briatore did not have only friends in F1

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From GMM

Interestingly, the previously-powerful Briatore's departure from formula one has opened the floodgates to open criticism of the flamboyant former Renault boss .


Jean Alesi , who drove under Briatore for Benetton in the 90s, is quoted by Bild newspaper as describing the Italian as an "obscene human being", while the Frenchman's manager Mario Miakawa likened him to "a Mafioso".


Former Renault test driver Frank Montagny , meanwhile, said it is necessary to separate the actions of rogue team management from the actual sporting ethos of Renault.

"That Flavio Briatore is involved in this cheating does not surprise me much," the Frenchman, who also revealed that he was made to sign a FFBB management contract before signing for Renault some years ago, told RMC radio. This contract ensured that a percentage of driver's earnings go to Flavio Briatore.