Alonso: « Renault must prove its potential »

The former world champion, Fernando Alonso, explained that his team, Renault, must prove it has the potential to win races next year. This is the main condition the Spaniard requires in order to stay with them for an additional season.

Alonso, who has a clause in his contract allowing him to leave Renault at the end of this year, is optimistic as the team continues its development. As proof, the French team finished ahead of BMW-Sauber at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

« I would like to finish this season with Renault with good performances, hoping that next year the team will achieve great things, » said Alonso.

« With the changes in regulations next year, teams are and will be in the unknown, and no one knows who will be fast and who will be slow. »

« Two years ago Renault was world champion, so we know that the team can produce competitive cars. In 2009, I want to win races, I want to perform well, and I wish to achieve podiums. »

Alonso also indicated that the next four races will be crucial in his decision to stay or not. Honda’s team principal, Ross Brawn, had mentioned that the Spaniard interested him, but Alonso has a sense of priorities since he considers that staying with Renault would be a better solution.

« Why not? I think we’ll see, » he added about a possible choice to stay with Renault.

« We are fighting against Toyota for fourth place in the Constructors’ Championship. That is the priority at the moment, then in September, it will be time to think about next year. »

« I will focus on the next three or four races because for us, they are crucial. »