Alonso: I would've struggled at McLaren

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FERNANDO ALONSO

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Wednesday 6th August 2008

Fernando Alonso insists he is better off fighting for mid-table points with Renault than being a peripheral figure at McLaren.

Alonso returned to the French squad who helped him to two World Championships after an acrimonious year at the Woking-based team.

The Spaniard was demoted to the number two driver at McLaren at the expense of then rookie Lewis Hamilton.

In an interview with Cadena Ser radio Alonso said he preferred to be fourth with Renault than being down the pecking order at the British squad.

"Yeah, yeah. I don't think I would have been second with McLaren," he said.

"I'm (saying that) based on the last few races of the past season, when I was finishing fourth and fifth.

"And that's not what I expected. This year I'm still finishing fourth and fifth but with a team who really want me to achieve that result."

The 27-year-old also believes he had to leave McLaren as he wouldn't have been able to fight for the Drivers' Championship with them.

"Yes, I'm convinced, yes," he added. "Because of the situation I lived towards the end of the season. I saw there was no way to get a good result, to get things on the right track.

"I didn't have the atmosphere that I like to be able to work. And I know it would have been difficult to fight (for the World Championship)."

Whilst he is happy to be driving for Renault, the Spaniard believes they will find struggle to close the gap on top teams next season.

"Honestly I think it's difficult, because although there are going to be completely new rules... Next year there could be changes, but I've never seen a car that's fighting at the back one year then sweep the field the next.

"It's always step by step. So it's hard to close the gap, whether it's the aerodynamics, the engine, or the tyres. Whatever our problems are, we'd have to work very hard to close that gap."