Formula One news

Alonso missing rivalry with Hamilton

Fernando Alonso spoke positively of former team-mate and reigning World Champion Lewis Hamilton in Spain on Thursday, as both men struggle to make a strong impression at the start of the 2009 campaign. The Spaniard's kind words towards the Englishman came when recalling their year-long duel of the 2007 season.                

Renault driver Alonso's comments came as the Oviedo-born former double Champion prepares for his home Grand Prix. "We had good competition that helped each other to find our limits," he said, and was seen chatting to Hamilton on last year's pre-race drivers' parade in Spain. "I can say I miss that competition in a way, because it was fun to push and find new limits for ourselves."

Having claimed two titles in 2005 and 2006, the following season was expected by many to be a third straight crown for Alonso, who was eventually beaten in a close contest between both McLaren team-mate Hamilton and eventual victor Kimi Räikkönen. "The problems I had there were with the big bosses and the philosophy of the team, which is why I decided to move on from that period of my career," Fernando continued.

"Lewis has always been a great driver, and he is a great Champion. He fought for the World Championship in his first season in Formula One and won it in the second season. So to help his reputation that is damaged now, that is very easy - just keep winning. He will make people, his supporters, happy; that is very important - to do our job, to give the maximum in the car, win races, championships, that's the best thing you can do."

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