Alonso wants title repeat
Fernando Alonso has arrived in Bahrain a changed man, claiming he no longer dreams of race wins after tasting world championship glory.
The Spaniard, 24, became the youngest champion in Formula One history last year when he led Renault to a title double.
Tomorrow he begins the defence of those crowns when practice for the first race of the season, in Bahrain, begins.
However, rather than aiming for mere races wins or podium finishes, Alonso has only one goal in mind – another title.
“This weekend I will wear number one on my car so it’s a dream come true,” he said.
“I will try to do my best all through season and try to repeat this success.
“I always arrived at the first race in the past hoping to be on the podium, winning races. Now I am much more confident in myself – I am looking forward much more to being world champion again.
“It doesn’t matter how many races you win, it only matters to be champion again – it is a different approach.”
Alonso will leave Renault at the end of this season for a new career with McLaren.
That move was announced soon after his 2005 triumph but, rather than disrupt his title defence, Alonso claims he can now race free of pressure.
“The best thing is that the new car is competitive and strong enough to be quick on race pace and I think we are ready for the first race,” he added.
“I see 2006 as the year to defend the title and win again, it is the last year at Renault and I need to win for them and for me – I will do my maximum.
“I am much more relaxed now for the future and I can concentrate on winning because I am not wondering which team I will be at next year.”
Alonso had to see off a determined challenge from Kimi Raikkonen, his potential team-mate at McLaren next year, to claim his title last season.
McLaren have shown improvement in winter testing but Raikkonen admits he is disappointed with their progress.
The 26-year-old Finn said: “I don’t think we are exactly where we want to be but we are in a much better position than one month ago.
“It really depends if we get everything sorted out – we might be able to fight for wins. We will do the best we can and see where we end up.
“I don’t really worry but of course if we had more time it might be better for us but it’s time to start racing.”
Reliability problems undermined his challenge last year and Raikkonen was frustrated to discover engine troubles when he began testing the new McLaren.
Despite notable improvements, he remains sceptical, saying: “We had some problems with the engine but like I said we improved the situation a lot.
“You never know when the next one will happen, we’ll see how it goes.
“The last year is past and next year I do not know what will happen yet. It will be an interesting year, with all the changes of the rules it will be a bit more difficult.”
