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Last Updated: Monday, 23 October 2006, 16:32 GMT 17:32 UK
One more title enough for Alonso
Fernando Alonso
Alonso sealed the drivers' title in Brazil, his last race for Renault
Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso said he would be happy to retire after winning his third Formula One title.

The Spaniard, who clinched his second title on Sunday, is leaving Renault to race for McLaren next season.

"To join McLaren and never to race with Ferrari reminds me a lot of Ayrton Senna," said Alonso.

"He won three titles and, for me, to retire with three and achieve what he achieved would be the object of my career," added the 25-year-old.

Alonso, who has a three-year deal with McLaren, believes he will be able to compete for a third title with the team next season.

The rules, the cars change every year and sometimes you are not able to win, sometimes it's impossible

Fernando Alonso
McLaren failed to win a race last season but the sport's youngest-ever double world champion believes things will improve next year.

"Hopefully we'll find some consistency. If we are regularly on the podium, why not fight for the title?" he said.

McLaren finished third in the constructors' standings behind Ferrari and champions Renault, but Alonso says he has no regrets about leaving Renault.

"I feel, for the next three years with McLaren, I will have the opportunity to have a good car," he said.

"Hopefully, I will find new motivation with McLaren. It's a new challenge with new people and a new way to work.

"This is really very important for me and I'm looking forward to this new thing."

Alonso, who is replacing Ferrari-bound Kimi Raikkonen, is confident the Mercedes-powered team will provide a stronger challenge to Ferrari and Renault.

We will work hard to give him the same opportunity next year

McLaren boss Ron Dennis
"I think both Ferrari drivers are always in the position to win races and championships and so I think Felipe Massa, Kimi Raikkonen, the Renault drivers and hopefully the McLaren drivers will be, too," he said.

"But until the fourth or fifth race you will not see a clear picture.

"Formula One changes a lot every year - the rules, the cars - and sometimes you are not able to win and sometimes it's impossible.

"I hope to be in the top four with all the championships I do from now on, but it's difficult to repeat what Michael (Schumacher) did - being in the dominant position for so many years."

Schumacher and the late Argentine Juan Manuel Fangio are the only two drivers to have won three championships in a row.

But McLaren boss Ron Dennis is keen to help his new recruit become the third, insisting: "We will work hard to give him the same opportunity next year."

SEE ALSO
How Alonso won the world title
22 Oct 06 |  Formula One
Alonso revels in second title win
22 Oct 06 |  Formula One
Alonso takes title as Massa wins
22 Oct 06 |  Formula One
Brazilian GP as it happened
22 Oct 06 |  Formula One
The magic of Fernando Alonso
22 Oct 06 |  Formula One
F1 review 2006
22 Oct 06 |  Formula One
Alonso will join McLaren in 2007
19 Dec 05 |  Formula One
Fernando Alonso
09 Oct 06 |  Drivers


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