"I believe Alonso is the best active driver, perhaps only in conjunction with Hamilton and Vettel, but I think he is slightly better," Briatore said in an interview with Italian daily "La Repubblica" published Tuesday.

Flavio Briatore says Fernando Alonso is his "favorite without a doubt" to clinch the 2010 World Formula 1 beginning in Bahrain next March 14.

"I believe Alonso is the best active driver, with perhaps only Hamilton and Vettel, but I think he is slightly better, "Briatore said in an interview with Italian daily" La Repubblica "published Tuesday.

"Hopefully this is the year of Spain," the Italian said in relation to the incorporation of Hispania team, which will be the first Spanish team to contest a World Formula 1.

After Fernando Alonso, Formula 1 world champion twice, the former boss of Renault driver told the German Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel as another candidate for the title, after finishing second in last year's championship behind Briton Jenson Button.

"He should have won since last year. Almost won but the prize is not left for known reasons," said Briatore, referring to the controversy over dual multipliers used by the team plane Brawn, in the current flowing champion, Button.

Schumacher's return, another of the dishes Global's strong

The return to the slopes of Michael Schumacher after three years of absence is one of the highlights of the World Cup starting this weekend, but Briatore does not believe Mercedes German favorite, winning seven times world title.

"The pilot is not disputed, we discuss all that has changed around him in recent years," said the Italian, former head of Schumacher in the Benetton.

Flavio Briatore said not to miss "even a little" big circus after being removed after the controversy in which he became involved in 2008. "I miss some things in the environment, but the Formula 1 itself, no.

The former boss of Renault was suspended for life by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) responsible for an accident allegedly premeditated the Brazilian Nelson Piquet, Alonso's teammate then the gala team, which facilitated the victory the Spanish in Singapore 2008.

The appeal made by Briatore before the Tribunal de Grande Instance de Paris was estimated by the judges, who knocked out the punishment to the Italian.