Alonso: Future lies with Renault
PALERMO, Italy (Reuters) -- Spaniard Fernando Alonso says his future lies with French team Renault after becoming Formula One's youngest-ever winner last season.
"I have a long-term relationship with this team and right now, there is nothing that would make me want to look elsewhere," said the 22-year-old as Renault unveiled their 2004 car.
Alonso lapped world champion on his way to winning the Hungarian Grand Prix last August.
"Renault is like my extended family. We are at the beginning of a fantastic experience and I can't wait for the rewards of hard work. We want to be fighting for the title in 2005," he added in a team statement.
Youngest driver
The Spaniard, who starts his third full season in F1 after making his debut with Minardi in 2001, also became the youngest driver to start a race on pole position in Malaysia last March.
He ended the season sixth overall with four podiums, including second in his home grand prix.
"As a racing driver you always want to improve your results, although it will be difficult after one win and several podiums last year. But we'll work hard on it," he said.
The new R24 was officially unveiled in Sicily before being driven on the streets of Palermo to give local fans a taste of F1.
"From the very first time I drove the R24 I could tell it had the same characteristics as the R23," said Alonso.
"The handling is not much different, which is good news. My reference points were similar and it was relatively easy to adapt to the car."
Copyright 2004
Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.