Alonso places great hopes in Renault

Fernando Alonso admits that the prospect of Renault not making a step forward in 2008 would be a major problem for him.

After a year away from the French team spent at McLaren-Mercedes, the Spaniard performed well this week in Jerez, despite driving the R27 which was rarely close to the podiums in 2007.

« My biggest fear is to have a bad year and fight for eighth place, without motivation, » said Alonso to Spanish television.

« It is important to get up in the morning and have the desire to fight for the podium, good results, but also to maintain this motivation that drives us forward, » he added.

Alonso won back-to-back drivers’ titles in 2005 and 2006 and simultaneously helped Renault become the constructors’ world champions in those same years.

Despite his fears, Alonso says he is convinced that Renault will produce an R28 that meets his expectations. The latter will make its debut this week on the Valencia circuit.

« I think we will have a good car, as the development of the R27 was stopped last June to focus on the new car. »

« Over the past months, I believe that something good has been achieved. We will find out next week, but the new R28 will be much better than the 2007 car, » concluded the Iberian.