JEAN ALESI: His Observations Of F1, Renault, and the WDC

(from autosport.com)


Former Grand Prix driver Jean Alesi is predicting Renault will return the winners' circle in 2008, but thinks it will take a bit more time for them to take another championship.

Renault failed to win a Grand Prix last year, having won the title in 2005 and 2006, and hopes are high that the returning Fernando Alonso can help resurrect their fortunes.

But Alesi, who drove for the team when it was known as Benetton, is cautious about Renault's title chances for the forthcoming year.

"They have learned from what happened last season, they have the same engineers and they are so determined to come back," said the Frenchman on stage at the Autosport International Show.

"I am sure Fernando power, plus his motivation, will help the team to get back on the top. But Ferrari and McLaren had such an advantage compared to the other teams I don't think it can be so easy for Renault to be back for the world championship. But to win some Grands Prix, yes."

Alesi also said he hopes Jenson Button will enjoy improved fortunes this year after his disastrous 2007 season with the RA107.

"F1 is hero to zero," said Alesi. "You can immediately after two or three races say we have a new mega star, and someone else is no one because the car is not competitive.

"I am sure and really believe Jenson is capable to be a world champion. He has the speed and he has now the experience but, for sure, the car last year was really a disaster.

"To see this kind of driver suffering like that is not so good. I am sure with (new team principal) Ross Brawn they will make a big step forward, but to win the world championship will take a little bit of time."

Alesi also thinks that F1 will be able to put the spy scandal behind it, and claims that his enjoyment of the sport has not been ruined by the off-track controversy.

"F1 for me is the best show you can get. Last year it was the best championship for a long time with four drivers fighting for the title, and three drivers in the last race going for the championship.

"It was full of intensity for the results, so I will remember only that. The spy story is finished and it is better like that. I am sure that it will be a very good warning for all the other teams who did it probably in the past, and that is the end of the story"