Alonso is still optimistic for podiums in 2009

The Renault team has experienced a difficult start this year as it was necessary to find the best compromise within the new technical regulations. Since the season opened in March, Fernando Alonso has managed to score only a few points after ten races to date. Recently, the R29 has shown a clear improvement.

Without this accident at the Hungarian Grand Prix while starting from pole position, the double world champion was well on track to score big points with the team. The incident with the wheel led to an FIA investigation, and the verdict was a race suspension for Renault. The team appealed this decision.

It will be known this Tuesday, just a few days before the start of the weekend with the European Grand Prix in Valencia. If the ban is upheld, Alonso will not participate in the event, a home race for the Iberian. It will also be a missed opportunity to improve the Renault R29. Nevertheless, he thinks he can bounce back and surprise the crowds as he did last year, when he and the French car manufacturer won two victories in the second half of the season.

« I think last year, we proved that anything was possible in Formula 1, and Renault has always believed in its ability to improve the car and find the right direction to take, » said Alonso during a Renault podcast interview.

« This year, I see no reason not to be optimistic for the rest of the championship, » he added. « And, hopefully, a podium finish or a victory is still possible. »