Briatore: Mercedes to dominate again in 2015

Flavio Briatore does not think any F1 rivals are ready to challenge Mercedes' dominance in 2015.

Ferrari set the pace at the Jerez test last week, while Red Bull and Williams are expected to have taken steps forward since 2014.

But former Renault chief Briatore insisted: "The one constant in formula one at the moment is the superiority of Mercedes over all the other teams.

"Mercedes will dominate this world championship just as they did the last," the flamboyant Italian is quoted by the Italian news source Adnkronos.

He does not, therefore, join those who think Ferrari's Jerez form is already indicative of a potentially title-winning bid in 2015.

"After the difficulties, we all hope to see a competitive Ferrari this year, that would be great," said Briatore.

"The positive thing is that Ferrari did many more laps than a year ago. But I would be very cautious about making further judgements about these first tests because they do not give points for the championship.

"I do think we will understand some more after the next test," he added.

As for Fernando Alonso, Renault's champion of 2005 and 2006 who is still linked managerially to Briatore, the 64-year-old Italian said he is not alarmed that McLaren-Honda endured a tough first test with its new MP4-30.

"I spoke with Fernando and he is not at all concerned," said Briatore.

"It is normal to have problems at the beginning. It is better to stop now than in Melbourne and, anyway, these tests are for understanding and solving problems."

✅ Check out more posts with related topics: