Formula One news

Alonso looking for 'magic' solution

Fernando Alonso continues to admit that times are tough in the Renault camp as the French team strives to move back to the front of the grid. Despite being just four and a half points behind fifth place, the team currently lies seventh in the championship and will be looking for more points at the Nürburgring this weekend.

With rumours circulating various F1 paddocks this season of Alonso's move to Ferrari for next year, the former double World Champion remains focussed on Renault's progress. "We thought that Silverstone would suit the car but after qualifying we realised that we were not as competitive as we had hoped," explained Fernando, who was beaten by team-mate Nelson Piquet at Silverstone.

Former team-mates Alonso and Hamilton battled in the midfield at the British Grand Prix

"In the race I made a poor start and got stuck behind Heidfeld who was heavy on fuel, which ended my chance of finishing in the points. I still had some fun battles, especially with Lewis (Hamilton), but I prefer to be fighting at the front."

With the team having managed to clinch two race wins in the final four races of 2008, the Spaniard admits that doing so again will not be so easy: "The position we are in at the moment is similar to last year but this time all the teams are much closer together and so it's more difficult to take a big step forward. If you can find three of four tenths with an upgrade, it can make a huge difference and put you five or six places higher up the grid; that's what the team is looking for - that magic component which gives us a big boost, but we know it's not easy to find."

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