Briatore was criticised by the British media for the decision, but technical director Mike Gascoyne later insisted to F1 Racing that the decision was correct, since the team had been impressed with Alonso's work rate and talent during his season as test driver.
Briatore foi criticado pola prensa británica pola decisión, pero o director técnico Mike Gascoyne declarou a F1 Racing que a decisión foi correcta, xa que o equipo quedara impresionado coa capacidade de traballo e o talento de Alonso durante a súa tempada como piloto de probas.