Alonso and Renault grew up together

The new world champion has just arrived back in the UK. The young Spaniard lives in Oxford and not in his home land Spain where people are extremely proud of his accomplishments. After a few hectic days and days of celebrating, Alonso is back to prepare for the next race, the Grand Prix of Japan.

Interview with Fernando Alonso

Fernando, what did you feel when you crossed the line on Sunday?
"I still find it hard to believe that it is true, that it has actually happened… I can’t really feel anything at the moment but I think it will come slowly. I have achieved my dream, the thing I have been fighting for since I was three years old. This is the maximum in my life, but I have not had time to think about it yet. Slowly, moments from my career will come back to me. I am sure it will happen in the next few days."

The Renault F1 Team is a young team. You are a young guy. You were made for each other…
"Yes, and I am very proud to have won with this team. I joined them as a test driver in 2002 and we were fighting for the 5th place in the constructors’ championship. We have grown up together, them and me. Today, we are all champions, every one of us."

Now the title is won, will you approach the last few races differently?
"I don’t think that things will change so much, because the gap to McLaren is still big. But if you think about when Montoya overtook me in the race, I didn’t take any risks on Sunday. It will be different in Suzuka. I will be more aggressive with how I use the engine, the tyres, every part of the car."

Your hometown of Oviedo in Spain seems to have partied through the night on Sundqy…
"I was told that 50,000 people celebrated my win! They were dancing in the fountain in the city centre, and even in Madrid as well. I am very proud of that and want to say a big thank-you to all of them. I have missed a lot of things in life, made a lot of sacrifices and worked very hard. The people and their celebration are the reward for that. I like being a showman too: I drive so that people can enjoy watching the races."