Formula One news

Alonso holding belief in Renault

Fernando Alonso is confident that Renault's 2009 car has the potential to become a regular points finisher this season. A difficult start for the former double constructors' World Champions leaves the French marque seventh in the current standings, with the Spaniard believing that a pragmatic approach is the most suitable option.

A fan's message of support to Fernando in the Istanbul grandstands

Despite taking two wins from the final four races of last year's campaign, a lack in performance - as with the rest of 2008's top four teams - left Renault scratching their heads at the beginning of this year's championship. Alonso, Champion of 2005 and 2006, insists he is to stay positive in the belief that the R29 will be back on the pace and scoring top three results before the end of this season.

"I have a lot of faith in this team and I know that everybody is working hard to improve our situation," said the Asturias-born driver, who is spending his seventh year with the team. "We've been together for a long time and have shown before that we never give up, but we need to be realistic because all of the other teams are pushing just as hard to develop their cars and so it's not easy to take a big step forward; we just need to keep adding parts at each race to make sure we can fight for points and hopefully podiums on a regular basis."

Victory! Alonso wins for Renault at Silverstone in 2006

The next stop on the calendar is Silverstone for this year's British Grand Prix, a race won by Fernando in 2006. "I remain optimistic and determined to get a better result at Silverstone," he continued. "The R29 has always worked well in high-speed corners and so we should be more competitive this weekend. We will also have some new developments, which should give us some extra performance. In terms of the track, it's a great place to drive a Formula One car and, as this is probably the last time we will race at Silverstone, I will make sure I enjoy the experience."

more news

• 27 Nov.
  • GPUpdate TV: Domenicali - high hopes for 2010
  • Jerez test: The cast
  • Wurz plays down USF1 link
  • Renault to test Baguette, Tung and Di Grassi
  • Alonso makes second visit to Ferrari
  • Force India confirms Sutil and Liuzzi
  • All new teams now FOTA members
  • Sauber buys team back from BMW
  • De la Rosa pushing for race drive
  • Ecclestone: I won't buy Donington
  • Haug becomes part of F1 in Schools
  • Volkswagen to provide F1 engines?
• 26 Nov.
  • Alguersuari: 2010 contract is signed
  • Conway and Ericsson to test for Mercedes
  • 4 driver options left for Lotus
  • 'F1 in need of Schumacher return' - Verstappen
• 25 Nov.
  • 'Fantastic opportunity' - Di Resta on Force India test
  • Recap: N.Technology court bid fails
  • BMW testers excited about Jerez
  • Brawn disappointed with Button drives, ponders Lauda
  • Piquet to drive in Massa kart race
  • Brawn aero chief wins award
  • Gillett disappointed with government position
  • Mercedes hopes to confirm line-up by Christmas
• 24 Nov.
  • Briatore verdict expected in January
  • Donington still hopeful over F1 race
  • Montreal race confirmation imminent
  • Massa names drivers for karting event
  • Campos car passes FIA safety tests
  • Strong test could seal drive, says Mallya
  • Force India to test di Resta and Hildebrand
  • Courts to hear Briatore case
  • Silverstone GP deal forthcoming
• 23 Nov.
  • GPUpdate TV: Sam Michael - building on 2009
  • Theissen waiting on entry decision
  • Mercedes delighted with Rosberg confirmation
  • Confirmed: Rosberg to Mercedes for 2010
  • Manor hoping to run in late January
  • Mercedes poised to announce first driver
  • Kobayashi: I expected to be re-signed

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