Briatore confirms interest in taking over QPR

ISTANBUL, Aug 24 (Reuters) Renault Formula One team boss Flavio Briatore confirmed today that he was part of a group interested in taking over second division English soccer club Queens Park Rangers.

However, the flamboyant Italian said he was only one of those involved in the talks. No offer had been made and nothing signed.

''We are talking. we are a bunch of friends together,'' he told reporters at the Turkish Grand Prix while declining to name any of his associates.

''If it happens I am very happy, if not I am very happy as well.'' The West London club, who have debts of 34 million dollars and need considerable new investment, said in an earlier statement that they were in talks with various parties that could lead to a takeover bid.

''The board of QPR announces that it is engaged in discussions with a number of parties that may or may not lead to an offer being made for the entire issued share capital of the company,'' it said.

Briatore, a multi-millionaire and close associate of billionaire Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone, said he had never been to QPR's Loftus Road ground.

''The history behind it (the club) is great. And I pass the stadium every time I go to Oxford by helicopter and so I become friendly with the stadium,'' he said.

Briatore added that if his group were successful, Formula One would remain his priority. Renault have been champions for the past two seasons.

''The idea is like any other,'' said Briatore, whose other business interests include nightclubs and exclusive Billionaire fashion shops. ''I opened the Cipriani (restaurant) in London but I am not in the kitchen to cook. I have the people managing it.

''Formula One is my priority 100 per cent, anything else we are doing in a professional way but as a group of friends.

Nothing dramatic.'' Briatore, a lifelong supporter of Italian club Juventus, said he had met QPR chairman Gianni Paladini only once: ''After that it was the normal talking with my people and the people from the board.'' Reuters TB RN1736