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Schumacher commends Alonso

26/09/2005

Michael Schumacher has heaped praise on Fernando Alonso, the talented young Spanish driver who brought the German's five-year reign over the Formula One championship to an end at Interlagos.

Renault's Alonso finished the Brazilian grand prix in third place, 11 seconds ahead of Schumacher, but behind his closest championship rival Kimi Raikkonen, whose second-place finish which was not enough to keep the title race alive.

But despite Ferrari's number one driver Schumacher having to hand over his crown, he was full of praise for the 24-year-old Alonso and the whole Renault team.

"I very much would like to congratulate them. They have done a very good job over the whole season, Fernando and the guys around him," Schumacher said.

"I have just met one of the mechanics [Jonathan Wheatley] from my time there. He is now the chief mechanic, and he was close to tears.

"It is really touching to see them after they have had to wait ten years to again win the championship. It was really nice and I am happy for them. They have done a good job. The time when I was thinking about the title is over already because it was some weeks ago."

He added that, despite reports to the contrary, he was not now looking to end his racing career but rather is looking forward to the 2006 season and trying to win back his crown.

"I am not sad, it is more that I look forward to next year and try to fight again - and hopefully I will be able to do so," he added.

"From a personal point of view it is nice for me to see some of the guys I worked with at Benetton looking so happy. I look forward to fighting with them again next season."

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