Alonso confident of perfect 2008 season

Yesterday, Fernando Alonso finally announced that he will drive for the ING Renault F1 Team in 2008. The world of F1 has been waiting for the decision of the double World Champion for weeks but according to the Spaniard it didn't take long to make the decision.

Fernando Alonso said: "The first three weeks of November, I was on a much needed vacation and during which I disconnected from Formula One. The decision to choose a team did not take more than a week, as me and the people close to me were clear about what we wanted."

Although the team had a difficult 2007 season, the Asturian driver is confident that Renault will be back with the front runners in 2008. Asked what he expects from the upcoming season, Alonso said: "This is a question we all ask and I believe nobody can answer for certain. You know that teams like Ferrari will always be favourites. Also, the teams who have had problems adjusting to the Bridgestone tyres will hopefully have solved their problems and will be back at the top. Maybe Renault can be part of the top teams again this season. Today’s challenge is for Renault to go back to the top of the sheet already in January or February and then come closer to the podiums next season. They have suffered more than enough this year."

Alonso won both of his titles with Renault and hopes that he can repeat that success. "We will see what can be done… We shouldn’t put the cart before the horse. The first thing to do is to put the R28 on track in January and then start working thoroughly in order to get to the first Grand Prix of the season with the best car possible. I had to rise to the same challenge last year during the winter season and I am confident that this can happen again. After that, I will have to have a perfect season and hope for the others not to be too quick," the Spaniard said.