Formula One news

Alonso plays down Renault 2009 chances

Fernando Alonso says the Renault team will be unlikely to be able to match front runners in F1 next season, despite the major regulation changes which are being touted as an opportunity for some teams to make major strides.

"Honestly I think it's difficult because although there are going to be completely new rules, next year there could be changes, but I've never seen a car that's been fighting down the field one year suddenly beat the entire field the next," Alonso told Cadena Ser in Spain.

"These things always come step by step, so it's hard to close the gap," he added. "Whatever our problems are, we'd have to work very hard to close that gap, but it's going to be difficult to move ahead of the other teams and make a car that's better than theirs."

more news

• 08 Sep.
  • McLaren boss - we did everything right
  • Raikkonen not giving up yet
  • Ferrari wont rush team orders decision
  • Alonso is best driver in F1 - Brawn
• 07 Sep.
  • McLaren to appeal Hamilton penalty
  • Ferrari boss responds to Hamilton penalty
  • Hamilton penalty hands Massa victory
  • Heidfeld gamble pays off for BMW
  • Glock given 25-second penalty
  • Red Bulls upstaged by Toro Rossos
  • Double points-finish moves Toro Rosso up
  • Renault encouraged by Alonso's fourth
  • Force India happy to get both cars to flag
  • Disappointing day for Williams
  • Pointless day drops Honda to ninth
  • Glock makes point for Toyota
  • Hamilton - Kimi pushed me wide
  • Massa happy with second
  • Hamilton and Raikkonen under investigation
  • Hamilton wins thrilling Belgian Grand Prix
  • Photos: Sunday at Spa-Francorchamps
  • Heidfeld confident of new BMW deal
  • Dennis hints Hamilton may be light
• 06 Sep.
  • Ferrari plot fight for victory from second
  • Alonso sets Renault up in sixth
  • Heidfeld leads BMW qualifying charge
  • Force India happy with pace
  • Worst qualifying for Toyota
  • Webber gives Red Bull hope
  • Williams struggles in qualifying
  • Dismal day sees both Hondas out in Q1
  • Both Toro Rossos back in top ten
  • Hamilton gushing with confidence on pole
  • Massa's perfect lap not enough
  • Kovalainen lost out in middle sector
  • Hamilton storms to Belgian pole
  • Spa-Francorchamps to rename Stavelot corner
  • Heidfeld tops final practice session
  • Photos: Saturday at Spa-Francorchamps
  • Donington Park submit first phase plans

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