Formula One news

Alonso braced for tough first race

Fernando Alonso is braced for a tough first race back at Renault, but insists he is ready to pounce on any opportunity that presents itself during the weekend at Albert Park.

"The team was far behind in 2007 and it would have been impossible to overcome that gap this winter," Alonso said. "The other teams have also progressed and so it will certainly take a little time to reach a higher level, but I am convinced that we have the potential to get there. The team has shown in the past that they know how to produce a winning car; we just need to continue our efforts and to make sure we don't lose ground."

"All the teams have worked on different programmes during winter testing and so we cannot really predict how things will be," he added. "I think that Ferrari will be the team to beat during the first few races - they were strong during 2007 and seem to have performed well over the winter. The first race will be the first real chance to see how the teams compare with each other, and we will then have a better idea of our competitiveness."

"The first race will not be easy, but I am looking forward to it and the beginning of the championship," he concluded. "If an opportunity presents itself, I am ready to seize it."

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