Alonso not drawn on future

Spaniard says French team is his 'first priority'

Last updated: 29th September 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Alonso not drawn on future

Alonso: Renault is first priority

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Fernando Alonso would not be drawn on his future with Renault after claiming his first victory of the season in the Singapore Grand Prix.

The Spaniard says he feels 'at home' with the team after Sunday's triumph in Formula One's historic inaugural night race.

But, while saying Renault is his first priority, he has not committed his long-term future to the team.

Asked whether he is now preparing for the future with the team, Alonso, who rejoined Renault after spending the 2007 season with McLaren, said: "I didn't say that.

At home

"It's not changing the decision for next year. As I've always said, Renault will be my first priority because I feel I'm at home in this team."

Alonso raced to victory after starting Sunday's race in 15th place on the grid and believed his win was well deserved after all the hard work put in by the team over the season.

"It was a great weekend for everyone in Formula One, the first night race," he added.

"We all had a new challenge in front of us and we will all be part of history.

"We (Renault) have had a tough season but now we are fighting for fourth place in the constructor standings.

"This victory is well deserved as the guys worked extremely hard all season."

Briatore pleased

Team boss Flavio Briatore hailed the victory as an important one for the team.

"This is an amazing victory for Renault and for Fernando," he said.

"We knew the car was very competitive and we were very disappointed at the end of qualifying.

"The car was extremely quick and stronger than the Ferrari and McLaren and although we had some luck when the safety car came out, we deserved this victory.

"It is a very important result for Renault after two difficult seasons and helps us prepare for 2009 in the best way possible."