Naturally,
Renault has garnered the most attention over the winter following Alonso's return to those who provided him with two world titles. This year, however, will be very different for the Spaniard, who has already found the the
regie's R28 lacks the pace to challenge
Ferrari and
McLaren – at least at the moment.
"The team was far behind in 2007, and it would have been impossible to overcome that gap this winter," Alonso acknowledges, "The other teams have also progressed, so it will certainly take a little time to reach a higher level, but I am convinced that we have the potential to get there. The team has shown in the past that they know how to produce a winning car; we just need to continue our efforts and to make sure we don't lose ground.
"All the teams have worked on different programmes during winter testing and so we cannot really predict how things will be, but I think that Ferrari will be the team to beat during the first few races. They were strong during 2007 and seem to have performed well over the winter.
"The opening race will be the first real chance to see how the teams compare with each other, and we will then have a better idea of our competitiveness. It will not be easy, but I am looking forward to it and the beginning of the championship. Many challenges await the team, but we have worked hard these last few months and it is now time for the racing to begin.
"I know that a win or a podium in Australia will be difficult, but you never know what can happen during the race. If an opportunity presents itself, I am ready to seize it."
The biggest challenge facing Alonso in the early days of the season may well come from within the Renault camp, which has installed
Nelson Piquet Jr as team-mate to the Spaniard. While potentially recreating the sort of situation that split the McLaren team in 2007, however, team boss Flavio Briatore is more likely to ensure that his protege feels cosseted, knowing that that is how he works best.
