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MADRID - Fernando Alonso's unhappy experience at McLaren last season has made him a more committed and professional driver, according to Renault team boss Flavio Briatore.
"Fernando has come to the team with a plenty of aggression and motivation," Briatore told Spanish sports daily Marca on Wednesday.
"I think the McLaren experience has made him stronger.
"I think he is more responsible. He's changed for the better. Fernando is very committed... I'm delighted to see Fernando so motivated and so professional."
The 26-year-old Spaniard, who won his two world titles with Renault, has returned to Briatore's outfit after an ill-fated season at McLaren in which he fell out with the team boss Ron Dennis over the treatment given to British rookie Lewis Hamilton.
Briatore said Alonso was clearly happy to be back with his old team.
"I want to see him smile again and when I see him in the factory I see the old Fernando," the Italian said.
"In a sport like Formula One where there is so much pressure and danger you need to feel part of the team and Fernando is part of the team.
"We are delighted to have him back and we hope he will be happy. If he is, then the results will follow.
"The fact that Fernando is back with the team has been a great motivation for all of us. If the car is as good as we think it is we can be up there fighting to win races."
Alonso will be racing alongside another rookie team mate, Nelson Piquet Jr, at Renault this season but Briatore said he had no fears about a repetition of the team disputes the Spaniard experienced while at McLaren.
"I won't be the new Ron Dennis," he said.
"I know how to manage the team and I don't want any dispute. Each person directs the team in their own way but I can guarantee that there will be no problems this season."
Briatore said he knew from the start that McLaren was not the right team for Alonso and admitted he had talked with the Spaniard about returning to Renault on several occasions during the season with the final agreement being reached in China in October.
"We spoke all the time with Fernando," he said.
"The first time we talked about it was before the start of the season because I was sure that McLaren wasn't the team for Fernando. I know him really well and know that he needs a totally relaxed atmosphere and needs to feel part of the team."
Alonso is pre-season testing with Renault in Valencia, making an encouraging debut in the 2008 car ahead of its official launch next week.
- REUTERS
