Renault first option for Alonso

Fernando Alonso has singled out four teams as potential alternatives to his current employer Renault for the 2009 season.

Despite his past success for the French squad, the former champion has been disappointed by Renault`s performance so far this year, after returning from an ill-fated McLaren tenure in 2007.

Alonso is now making no secret of his search for a winning cockpit for 2009.

“What I want is to race in a car that can give me victories,” he confirmed to the Spanish newspaper El Pais.

“There are several - Williams, Toyota, BMW and Ferrari - that are always on top, no matter what,” Alonso said.

He revealed that his `priority in life` at the current moment is to return to the top step of the podium.

“Two years ago, when I won my second world title, perhaps I had other ideas and other priorities,” Alonso said.

“Now, I have gone back and I have the desire for revenge - 99 per cent of the time I think about winning again.”

He refused to specifically answer a question about whether signing for Ferrari is his main goal for this year.

“There are many factors to assess,” Alonso answered.

“My first option is to continue here if Renault can make a winning car, and the truth is that we are moving forwards. But I do not want to keep fighting to get to Q3.”

He said his short-term goal when he arrives at Grand Prix this year is now simply to improve his current situation, held back by the limited performance of the R28 car.

“The only thing to do is to try to improve. There is no alternative,” Alonso added.

He admits that it will be difficult to remain motivated for the remaining 15 races this year.

“It is hard,” Alonso confirmed. “But every weekend you have a new opportunity, and so you work from that dream.

“I always think I am going to be able to be on the podium. And if it turns out it is not possible for Barcelona, I will think about Monaco, because there is always a new reason,” he added.

E.A.

22.4.2008   ▪ Formula One    ▪ Alonso, Renault    ▪ en.f1-live.com