Formula One news

Alonso highly tipped by Brundle

Martin Brundle believes that Renault's Fernando Alonso could deliver high performances this year, as the Spaniard begins his eighth season in Formula 1. Alonso took two titles with Renault in 2005 and 2006 before switching to McLaren, and subsequently returning to his previous team in last season.

Alonso has already made his feelings clear that, approaching the season, the title is his principal goal but is waiting for the first races to assess his real chances. Brundle, who will be commentating for the BBC this year, believes that the new rules should suit the Spaniard's driving. "He will be pushing the limits," Brundle commented. "Winter testing can be very misleading and confusing but early signs are good for Renault - as ugly as the R29 looks, it appears to have solid pace."

Martin Brundle

The popular broadcaster continued to explain that Alonso's ability to drive every lap of a Grand Prix on the limit has been matched only by such talents as Michael Schumacher but that, like the German, he is flawed: "It would not be a true depiction to paint Alonso as Mr. Perfect - his single, tumultuous season at McLaren proved that; his experience there was very costly, both for his reputation and his chance of another world title." Despite enduring a season two years ago in which Martin believes Alonso's failure to seize the title was mostly of his own doing, the former driver sees the Oviedo-born pilot as a reborn star for 2009.

"Alonso has the brainpower to manage a race from start to finish," Brundle explained. "That will be even more critical within the 2009 regulations. He also has great qualifying pace, he knows how to set up the car and how to galvanize the team around him. He's not a crasher either."

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