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Alonso back in love with Renault after Fuji victory

(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-10-14 10:13

FUJI, Japan: Spain's Fernando Alonso rekindled his love affair with Renault after winning his second race in a row at Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix.

Renault Formula One driver Fernando Alonso of Spain celebrates with his team after winning the Japanese F1 Grand Prix at Fuji Speedway in Oyama, central Japan, October 12, 2008. [Agencies]

The twice world champion was still pinching himself long after taking the chequered flag in front of BMW-Sauber's Robert Kubica and the Ferrari of Kimi Raikkonen at Fuji.

"It's completely amazing," a champagne-soaked Alonso told reporters after his 21st Formula One victory. "It's difficult to believe. I'm very happy and very proud of my team."

Alonso was a surprise winner in Singapore two weeks ago, triumphant for the first time in more than a year with Renault taking their first victory since his second title with them in 2006.

Sunday's triumph at a Fuji Speedway circuit where the Ferraris and McLarens were supposed to dominate tasted even sweeter for the 27-year-old.

"Obviously Singapore was completely unexpected after a very sad Saturday coming from retirement in qualifying," said Alonso.

"Okay, I won with special conditions with the safety car, but today we had nothing and we won again. I cannot believe it right now, back-to-back wins."

Alonso admitted that the first corner mayhem triggered by McLaren's championship leader Lewis Hamilton and Raikkonen coming together had helped his cause.

"I saw the people in front of me going quite aggressive into turn one," said Alonso, who started fourth on the grid. "I took advantage and put myself behind Robert and from this point the race was easier. From then we had some free air."

However Alonso still refused to commit to another season with Renault, who are hoping to fight off a big offer from Honda for the Spaniard's services in 2009.

"It as a great job from everybody in the factory and this result, these wins are for everybody," said the Spaniard, who rejoined Renault this year after a turbulent season at McLaren spent feuding with Hamilton and team management.

"But I said that I would make a decision after Brazil.

"That doesn't mean that I don't know what to do. I know what to do but I will announce it after Brazil."

Agencies