Alonso test cost McLaren $2.6m – report
Some sources claimed that with the Spanish world champion remaining under contract until the last day of 2006, Briatore demanded more than $2.5 million from counterpart Ron Dennis so that Alonso could make an unbranded debut at Jerez last Friday.
Renault's Briatore insisted to the Spanish newspaper Diario As, however, that the temporary contract release was in recognition of their joint achievements and respect.
"Fernando has been with us for five years," 56-year-old Briatore said, "and in that time obtained two world titles.
"For that reason alone, and because he asked me for permission to test with his new team, I was happy to let him do it.
"There is nothing else to it."
Italian Briatore, meanwhile, said he is happy that the year is now in its last days.
He explained: "For me, 2006 has been stressful and I also had problems with my health. Fortunately, everything has ended well."
12/17/06 (GMM) Fernando Alonso's eleventh-hour release to test for McLaren last Friday came with a hefty price tag, according to reports.
Germany's 'Bild-Zeitung' claims that although Flavio Briatore said he and the Spaniard still enjoy "a very good relationship", the Italian probably still demanded that McLaren pay for the privilege of using a Renault employee for the Jerez test.
The sum of (US) $2.6m was mentioned.