Alonso focused on title defence - Mon 06th Mar 2006
Fernando Alonso says he is relaxed ahead of the opening round of the Formula One World Championship this weekend in Bahrain and has his sights firmly fixed on defending his title.
Alonso stormed to his maiden championship crown last season on the back of a stunning season that saw him secure seven victories and only fail to score on three occasions.
And the Spaniard now goes into the 2006 season aiming to keep that form going with the new Renault R26.
"The team has done a good job with the car, the R26 seems very competitive, and we are ready to go to the first race to try and score a lot of points," he said.
"I think we have done what we needed to. The car is ready to race: it has done a lot of laps, on all types of circuits and conditions.
"Now is the time to measure ourselves against the others in the first race. We have done the maximum possible, so I am relaxed going into the season.
"Honda, Ferrari, McLaren and Renault have been the four big teams in winter testing, and now we must check in the opening races. For sure, Renault are the ones to beat because we are the world champions, and I am confident we have done a good job."
Despite the fact that he starts the season as the man to beat - with the #1 on the nose cone of his R26 and the car having been amongst the fastest during pre-season testing - Alonso added that he didn't feel like the pressure was on.
"I don't think there is more pressure, but I am very proud to have #1 on the car," he said.
"It is the maximum you can achieve in all motorsport, one of the moments you dream about all of your career. I am excited to arrive in Bahrain with #1 on the car, and I will be trying to enjoy this year to the maximum.
"It is very difficult to win a championship, and you need a lot of things around you to have the chance. Last year, I started the season dreaming of maybe winning one race and getting regular podiums, but we won the title.
"In 2006, I know we have a competitive car in the R26, so my only goal is to repeat the title."
