frank
08-06-2008, 05:04 PM
Fernando Alonso says he doesn't believe an overhaul of rule changes next year will do anything to improve Renault's chances of overtaking the top teams in Formula One.
However, the Spaniard insists he is having much more fun finishing fourth and fifth this season than potentially racing for victory with McLaren.
"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 tells the Spanish radio station Cadena Ser. "It's always step by step."
"It's going to be difficult to move ahead of (the top teams)."
While Alonso has scored three top-10 finishes in the last four races, the two time world champion has failed to find the podium this year and he sits eighth in the championship. That has fueled speculation that he will leave Renault in 2009 with Honda being the latest team to be linked to the Spaniard.
The Japanese manufacturer says it is willing to risk a short-term contract with Alonso for potential long-term gain.
"If you have one year and do well, then it becomes two years and three years," Honda team boss Ross Brawn recently told autosport.com. "It depends how well you do. I am sure the McLaren deal was more than a one-year deal and that didn't last beyond a year."
Brawn would not comment on the reports Honda has targeted Alonso specifically but admits he is certainly someone of interest.
"Fernando is one of the top drivers in F1 and I think every team apart from one in the pitlane would welcome him," said Brawn. "We are no different, but whether it happens, who knows?"
Alonso says he's heard the speculation but is not looking ahead to the future.
"(Honda) have said a lot of good, positive things and I appreciate it 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."
Honda's decision likely rests on whether or not they decide to bring Brazilian Rubens Barrichello back for another season.
Whether or not he stays for another season at Renault, Alonso insists he has no regrets about leaving McLaren at the end of last year.
"I don't think I would have been second with McLaren, based on the last few races of the past season, when I was finishing fourth and fifth."
"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)."
Still bitter toward McLaren!
However, the Spaniard insists he is having much more fun finishing fourth and fifth this season than potentially racing for victory with McLaren.
"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 tells the Spanish radio station Cadena Ser. "It's always step by step."
"It's going to be difficult to move ahead of (the top teams)."
While Alonso has scored three top-10 finishes in the last four races, the two time world champion has failed to find the podium this year and he sits eighth in the championship. That has fueled speculation that he will leave Renault in 2009 with Honda being the latest team to be linked to the Spaniard.
The Japanese manufacturer says it is willing to risk a short-term contract with Alonso for potential long-term gain.
"If you have one year and do well, then it becomes two years and three years," Honda team boss Ross Brawn recently told autosport.com. "It depends how well you do. I am sure the McLaren deal was more than a one-year deal and that didn't last beyond a year."
Brawn would not comment on the reports Honda has targeted Alonso specifically but admits he is certainly someone of interest.
"Fernando is one of the top drivers in F1 and I think every team apart from one in the pitlane would welcome him," said Brawn. "We are no different, but whether it happens, who knows?"
Alonso says he's heard the speculation but is not looking ahead to the future.
"(Honda) have said a lot of good, positive things and I appreciate it 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."
Honda's decision likely rests on whether or not they decide to bring Brazilian Rubens Barrichello back for another season.
Whether or not he stays for another season at Renault, Alonso insists he has no regrets about leaving McLaren at the end of last year.
"I don't think I would have been second with McLaren, based on the last few races of the past season, when I was finishing fourth and fifth."
"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)."
Still bitter toward McLaren!