ALONSO INTERVIEW August 5, 2008 On Renault's Future

(from autosport)

Fernando Alonso believes Renault are unlikely to be able to match the pace of the leading teams next season, despite the regulations changes that will be introduced.

"Honestly I think it's difficult, because although there are going to be completely new rules... Next year there could be changes, but I've never seen a car that's fighting at the back one year then sweep the field the next," Alonso told Cadena Ser radio.

"It's always step by step. So it's hard to close the gap, whether it's the aerodynamics, the engine, or the tyres. Whatever our problems are, we'd have to work very hard to close that gap.

"But, to be honest, it's going to be difficult to move ahead of them (top teams), and to make a car that will be superior to theirs."

Renault, world champions in 2005 and 2006, have failed to make an impression this season and have scored just one podium in 11 races.

They are 80 points behind leaders Ferrari in the constructors' championship.

Renault's lack of form have fueled speculation about Alonso's future, with Honda Racing the latest team the Spaniard has been linked to for 2009.

The two-time champion said he welcomed the praise he has received from Honda figures recently, but he made it clear he is focused on doing his best for Renault.

"They have said a lot of good, positive things and I appreciate it," Alonso added. "But I'm still focused on this year. We are not going to throw in the towel, we are going to fight until the last lap."

The Spaniard also insisted he has no regrets about having left McLaren, and he claimed he prefers to achieve worse results at Renault.

"Yeah, yeah. I don't think I would have been second with McLaren," he said when asked if he preferred to be fourth with Renault than second with McLaren.

"I'm (saying that) based on the last few races of the past season, when I was finishing fourth and fifth.

"And that's not what I expected. This year I'm still finishing fourth and fifth but with a team who really want me to achieve that result."

He also said he was convinced he would not have had a chance to fight for the championship with the British squad.

"Yes, I'm convinced, yes," he said. "Because of the situation I lived towards the end of the season. I saw there was no way to get a good result, to get things on the right track.

"I didn't have the atmosphere that I like to be able to work. And I know it would have been difficult to fight (for the title)."

 

Uh-oh. I feel the need for popcorn - 2 tubs should be good

 

Moving to Honda for one year would not give Fernando anythng more than he has at Renault, except maybe a bunch more money.

 

IMO ,It's clear he is waiting for a Ferrari ride.

 

Alonso is destined for an Accord! He wants the big $$ to tide him over when he is 60 and chasing the young girls.

 

I believe he will be waiting for a long long time. Kimi will more than likely leave before Massa. In another year and a half things will again change and other good drivers will come along. Ferrari has not and will not commit to Alonso untill they have no other choices and Alonso is not playing his mind games with other teams. Come next season we will see many more choices for a replacement for Kimi....just watch.

 

*IF* you'd said "the 2010 season" rather than "next season", I'd give you a big "+1".

I firmly believe the Kimster will be with the Scuderia next season. [Along with FM.]

2010 is a different can of worms.

Cheers,
Ian

 

It's hard to derive any thoughts from that--he just seems to be saying it like it is. I still think he believes it's going to be near impossible to return Renault to the front.

 

Well thats what I ment Ian. The choices will come up next season for the following season.