F1 experts rate Alonso as best driver!

By role
July 14 2003

Renault F1 driver has made an impact on the F1 padock. After scoring 3 podiums and one pole position in 10 races the young Spaniard is being recognized as a potential world champion.

The magazine F1 racing asked a team of experts to evaluate each driver to select the most impresive at the middle of the season.

The team that included such high profile people as Adrian Newey from McLaren Mercedes, Sam Michael from Williams and Ove Andersson from Toyata selected Fernando Alonso as the best driver over Kimi Raikkonen that finished close in second and five time champion Michael Schumacher.

Alonso was obviously thrilled about having such a strong recognition to his work:

It feels like I have been in a dream since the start of the season," he said. "The competitiveness of the car, my podiums, the support of the public: all of it was so unexpected… I enjoy every day because I do a job that I love, and it is always nice to be rewarded for that. Between now and the end of the season, my aim is to perform as well as possible for the Renault F1 Team. I will be giving 100% and, hopefully, will be in the same position when the jury makes its final decision after Suzuka!"