Fernando Alonso reckons Renault might find it difficult to become front-runners next season, despite new rules being introduced.
"We'd have to work very hard to close that gap," says Spaniard
Fernando Alonso reckons Renault might find it difficult to become front-runners next season, despite new rules which are being introduced into Formula One.
The new rules will see aerodynamic changes designed to reduce downforce as well as the re-introduction of slick tyres and the introduction of the new KERS energy recovery systems.
They have been seen by some teams as a chance to level the playing field and allow them to compete at the sharp end of the grid alongside Ferrari and McLaren Mercedes next year.
However, double World Champion Alonso already fears that Renault - with whom he won back-to-back titles in 2005 and 2006 - might find any step up the grid beyond them.
"Honestly I think it's difficult, because although there are going to be completely new rules...next year there could be changes, but I've never seen a car that's fighting at the back one year then sweep the field the next," he told Spanish radio station
Cadena Ser.
"It's always step by step. So it's hard to close the gap, whether it's the aerodynamics, the engine, or the tyres. Whatever our problems are, we'd have to work very hard to close that gap."
Renault have struggled for the last couple of seasons and, despite Alonso's return from McLaren at the end of 2007, they currently lie only fifth in the Constructors' Championship, a full 80 points behind pacesetters Ferrari.
Alonso lies eighth in the Drivers' Championship with 18 points and has failed to score a podium finish in 11 races.
Preference
Nevertheless, the 27-year-old said he preferred to be fighting for minor positions with Renault than challenging for victories at McLaren, as he would surely have done but for his acrimonious split from the team.
"Yeah, yeah. I don't think I would have been second with McLaren," Alonso continued.
"I'm (saying that) based on the last few races of the past season, when I was finishing fourth and fifth.
"And that's not what I expected. This year I'm still finishing fourth and fifth but with a team who really want me to achieve that result."
Alonso also reckoned he would not have been able to fight for the Drivers' Championship this season had he decided to remain at McLaren alongside Lewis Hamilton.
"Yes, I'm convinced, yes," he added. "Because of the situation I lived towards the end of the season. I saw there was no way to get a good result, to get things on the right track.
"I didn't have the atmosphere that I like to be able to work. And I know it would have been difficult to fight (for the World Championship)."
The lack of results currently being endured by both Renault and Alonso have led to speculation about his future with the team.
Red Bull expressed an interest in his services before plumping for Sebastian Vettel, while Honda are also reportedly keen.
However, Alonso is thought to be eyeing a move to Ferrari in the longer term.
