Fernando has work to do

Fernando Alonso is still tuning his craft behind the wheel of a Formula One car. Voted 'Driver of the Year' by F1 Racing, the 22-year-old Spaniard nonetheless admits he's still got some way to go before he reaches the top of his sport.

'I've got to learn to be tuned into my car, and not to make up its shortcomings by unconsciously changing the way I drive,' he told the magazine.

Alonso, who won his first grand prix in a Renault last season, insists there is 'nothing thought out' about how he attacks the corners and braking zones.

He said: 'I can't explain it. I get behind the wheel, I drive as fast as I can. I adapt. It comes naturally.'

The team's engineering chief, Patrick Symonds, suggests that Alonso should work harder to better apply his supreme talent to the world of Formula One.

'He's got everything it takes to succeed,' the Briton explained, 'but he needs to work harder and get more involved.'

Symonds reckons the best drivers, like Michael Schumacher, aren't happy to 'wait around' and that their success 'doesn't come easily.'

He concluded: 'Drivers have to show the same commitment as all the other team members. That isn't always the case [with Fernando].'