Alonso: Schumi record here to stay
Friday 29th July 2011
Birthday boy Fernando Alonso has conceded to being "extremely lucky" at how much he has so far achieved in Formula One.
Celebrating his 30th on Friday, Alonso has two world titles, 27 wins and 20 pole positions to his credit - not too dissimilar to Michael Schumacher at that age.
The now 42-year-old had also claimed two championships, had won 33 races, and had also been on pole on 20 occasions, before embarking on his dominant spell with Ferrari at the start of the last decade.
Although surprised to find himself level pegging with Schumacher, he does not believe he will go on to match his record of seven titles.
"I never thought I would have two world championships at 30 to be honest because I know how difficult is it to win in Formula One, how difficult it is to succeed in this sport," said Alonso.
"I am extremely lucky to have all the wins I have now, and I am not thinking at the moment of winning seven world titles as him when I am 42, 43, however old he is.
"These days F1 is so competitive, so close. It is very difficult to see a dominant period as Ferrari had with Michael, so seven will be a record that will stay for many, many years."
After winning his second crown in 2006 with Renault, completing back-to-back titles at that stage, it could be suggested Alonso should have won his third championship by now.
The Spaniard, though, cannot complain too much, adding: "I don't know. I had the possibility in 2007 (with McLaren) and missed out by one point.
"I also had the possibility last year, but just missed out in the final race in Abu Dhabi.
"So to go into the last race fighting for the championship on four occasions, winning two, losing two, I think it is fair. If it was 3-1 (against) then maybe that is not fair.
"If there is hopefully a fifth time one day that I am fighting for the championship, then we will see if I can win it."
In terms of fighting for this year's title, that remains a long shot as Alonso trails leader Sebastian Vettel by 86 points going into this weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix.
Alonso knows if he is to have any chance of pushing Vettel to the wire, then he requires McLaren's help - for Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button to take points off the German.
"To be honest, we do need their support," said Alonso.
"We prefer a strong McLaren car, and if both Ferraris can be on the podium and the third car is a McLaren we will be very happy."
Credit: ESPN STAR (www.espnstar.com)
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