Despite an internal feud with team principal Ron Dennis and team-mate Lewis Hamilton, the Spaniard still only missed out on a third consecutive title by a point.

But Alonso is now back where he feels at his happiest, with team boss Flavio Briatore describing him as “being home.”

At the launch of the new Renault challenger for this year, the R28 at the team’s communications centre in Paris, Alonso is positive for the year ahead.

“It has been great coming back to Renault,” said Alonso.

“For me, it was very easy because I already knew the team well, with the first day back at the factory for the seat fitting as if time had not moved on.

“It was like the end of 2006, and I was very happy and comfortable with everybody in the team.

“As for this season, we will see. Nobody knows at the moment what will happen. It’s a very open championship.

“But everybody is talking about Ferrari and McLaren, so as long as they keep talking about them then we can be more relaxed.

“We need more testing in February to try to find the performance. Hopefully then it will be enough to fight with the other teams.

“The entire team is absolutely determined to get back to the top. They are pushing very hard and that is a big motivation for me.

“First and foremost I am a racer, and I obviously want to win. I will do my maximum to make that happen because I know what is expected from me.

“Some people have suggested I have unfinished business from 2007, but that’s not the way I look at it.

“I am preparing for this season the same way I have always done, by concentrating on my job.”

Renault president Carlos Ghosn has placed pressure on Briatore by borrowing a quote from the flamboyant Italian.

“I am going to use Flavio’s reference as he said last year was a disaster, and yet we finished third,” remarked Ghosn.

“So if finishing third was a disaster, then we are left with just two choices as to where we finish this season, and I know which I prefer.

“But with great drivers and a great team, then I feel we can all perform well.”

In response, Briatore joked: “The president said last year was a disaster, no, it was very good. This year, I don’t want too much responsibility!”

But Briatore knows there has to be improvement, and with Alonso back at the wheel of one of the new cars – with rookie Nelson Piquet (who has dropped the Jnr from his name) at the other – he feels it can be achieved.

“With Fernando back, there is a lot of motivation and we are very happy. He has come back home,” added Briatore.

“We have known Fernando for many years, and to have him back is fantastic for Renault, the whole team and the supporters.

“We want to fight for podiums and winning races, and we will be.”