The FIA wants the teams to come up with an alternative to Mosley's plan for a spec engine - talk of which has gone quiet since the president issued a tender for supply on the eve of the Chinese GP. While the major manufacturers have warned that they would consider quitting F1 if the proposal was forced through, those teams currently facing a power deficit have edged in the other direction.

Perhaps uniquely, Briatore finds himself with a foot in both camps, but would not oppose the introduction of a spec engine, denying that F1 would become a higher-powered version of the successful GP2 Series which he masterminded with Bernie Ecclestone and others to replace F3000.

"If keeping engines on a level was the background to the development 'freeze', and if all engines are almost the same anyway, why not?" he questioned, "In my opinion, either we permit full freedom [on development of parts] or we all go with the same component.

"F1 doesn't have to be like GP2, but it absolute insanity to employ 1000 people and to spend $300m just to let two cars go round and round in circles. A GP2 car is seven seconds per lap slower [than F1], but the teams achieve that with $3m a year. F1 must fall somewhere in between."

Instead of technology making a difference between teams, Briatore is in favour of the culture and ability of teams themselves making the difference.

"Look at Red Bull and Toro Rosso," he pointed out, "The cars are the same other than their engines but, nevertheless, one is better than the other because it works better in the detail. Technology is good and beautiful, but there should be a market for that. We have many crazy things in the car, but no-one knows it."

Ironically, perhaps, Briatore confirmed that he was currently opposing a 15,000km limit on testing - but admitted that he would be prepared to relent if the performance of Renault's engines can be brought up, at least to the level of their rivals if not with complete freedom of development.

"If we are punished on the engine and then may not test, we'll be nowhere," he explained, "If we are allowed to improve the engine, then we can speak over testing restrictions."

The FIA's World Motor Sport Council is due to meet in ten days' time, with possible rule changes among the items on the agenda.