Fernando Alonso
Fernando Alonso Díaz is a Spanish Formula One racing driver and two-time world champion. He won his first World Driver's Championship title at the age of 24 years and 59 days, thus breaking Emerson Fittipaldi's record of being the youngest F1 champion.
- On being asked if he is frustrated for not having a winning car.
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- It has been a fantastic weekend and now I probably need some time to believe I'm champion again. I'm 25 years old and I've won two drivers' championships and two constructors' titles with Renault. With this being my last race for Renault after five years with them, what a fantastic way to finish my relationship. I will have these memories all my life, winning both titles, the emotion, the atmosphere in the garage. We grew up together and now we have won both championships in two consecutive years. The years I have had with Renault, I will never forget. To finish the last race the way we have is something you never dream of. You never even try to dream of it because it's always more than what you expected.
- About leaving the Renault team http://www.planet-f1.com/News/Story_Page/0,15909,3210_3463_1626080,00.html (October 23, 2006)
- It was fantastic to fight with Michael, a privilege for me. I said in 2005 that it was important to become Champion when Michael was still there, for the value and the recognition that people outside the sport would give to the championship. But people said we did not fight directly in 2005; this year, it was me versus Michael all year. The history books will say that the last two Championships he raced in were won by Alonso, and that makes me very proud. It was a pleasure to compete against him.
- About racing against, and beating, Michael Schumacher http://www.planet-f1.com/News/Story_Page/0,15909,3210_3463_1771697,00.html (December 13, 2006)
- What I have felt at McLaren is good professionalism, a team that is very determined and focused on the championship. There is a new atmosphere within the team, and I saw that when I went to the factory and met all the people. They are so excited. They really think that after a few years without success, this is the year to come back. No-one has doubts. That was a complete surprise to me, yet from my point of view, it was great to see all that optimism, and I feel more ambitious now - a completely new man. Sometimes after a tough season and when the winter arrives, you want to test as late as possible, to be on your holidays as much as you can. But now it's the opposite. I want to be in the car. I feel like when I arrived in Formula One six years ago. I just want to drive.
- About joining a McLaren team that failed to win a grand prix the previous season for the first time in a decade. http://www.planet-f1.com/News/Story_Page/0,15909,3210_3463_1842865,00.html (January 16, 2007)
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- For me it's a simple sport and a simple way to live these seven or eight years of maximum sport.
- For me, it was not destiny to make it to where I am now - I thought for a long- time I would become a go-kart mechanic, or a job like this, not an F1 driver.
- I am very proud of what we have built in Spain, because it is not a traditional Formula 1 country. I think we have found passionate fans, and built up a strong culture for the sport - and things are improving every day, with more and more people getting interested.
- I have always been very calm on the outside. I'm not too stressed now just because I'm in formula one. For me, tomorrow will be another day whether I finish first or last. I have to do the maximum and I cannot ask any more from myself.
- I like America, and I think probably the American people like me.
- I look at myself as someone who has been very lucky - my job is also what I enjoy most in the world, and I can make my life doing it.
- My parents are responsible for the two things I like doing most - driving and magic tricks. They bought me my first go-kart and a magician's kit.
- Alonso: Fisico is in front of me, what more I have to do?
- Pit Crew: We know you're faster, overtake him! (Fernando promptly puts his foot down and passes Giancarlo)
- Conversation between Alonso and his Pit Chief during 2005 Belgian Grand Prix
- What I mean is that I am not demoralised, I am not sad, I am simply in delay. It's like in the Tour (de France). I'm now in the stage where I am reserving my energy for the mountains, because it's then that I am going to be on top.
- On being asked if he is frustrated for not having a winning car.
About Fernando Alonso
- I cannot find a single weakness in Alonso from any viewpoint. He's obviously a huge asset to the Renault team but more importantly a huge asset to the sport as a whole. I think he is perfect.
- Niki Lauda, three-time Formula One champion. http://sport.guardian.co.uk/formulaone/story/0,10069,1566948,00.html
- He is a driver with talent, ability and maturity, he manages to finish all his races. My record is going to be in good hands.
- Emerson Fittipaldi, after Alonso took his record as Formula One's youngest champion. http://www.theage.com.au/news/motorsport/former-recordholder-hails-alonso/2005/09/26/1127586768600.html
- He's a very, very talented driver. It's nice to have drivers like this boy Alonso. He's got a Formula 1 drive for next year so I'm really pleased for him.
- Kart legend Mike Wilson, 2000 http://www.romeomotorsports.com/usa/Press_Releases/Mike_Wilson_Article.htm