Fernando Alonso P1
“This is a fantastic result – my first podium of the season; my first victory and I’m very happy, although I think it will take several days for me to realise what we have achieved.

Fernando Alonso struggled to conceal his frustration at dropping out of qualifying in Singapore, and now he reckons he will need a miracle to claw his way into the points.

The Spaniard went quickest of all in the opening practice sessions and looked well placed to challenge for the front two rows of the grid in qualifying.

Renault’s Pat Symonds on the challenge of hustling an 800bhp Formula One car around Singapore’s new street circuit – at night!

Fernando Alonso has hinted that he will stay with Renault for 2009, it has been reported.

The Spaniard has made clear his intention to join a race winning team in 2009, but with Ferrari confirming their driver line-up and BMW Sauber reportedly having a long-term contract snubbed by the double world champion, that only leaves Honda as a plausible option.

A late gamble to switch to wet tyres coupled with an uncompromising overtaking manoeuvre in the final corner vaulted Fernando Alonso into fourth place in Spa-Francorchamps, as Renault bid to home in on their championship rivals.

Fernando Alonso may want to return to a championship-challenging team for 2009, but the feisty Spaniard, renowned for his competitiveness, will be keen to help Renault defeat rivals Toyota in their own battle this year, and is well placed to do so after a sterling qualifying effort in Spa-Francorchamps.

Fernando Alonso has become the latest Renault-powered driver to attribute Toro Rosso’s performance edge at Valencia to the grunt of its engine, hinting that Renault and engine customers Red Bull Racing are being disadvantaged.

Pat Symonds, director of engineering at Renault, believes that his team will be able to beat Toyota to fourth place despite having trailed them in the constructors’ championship table since the Monaco Grand Prix in May.

Mecachrome, a precision engineering company involved in aviation and motor racing, has reportedly decided to end their involvement in Formula One.

Nelson Piquet Jr has not yet done enough to secure his seat with Renault for 2009, according to the latest paddock whispers.

The Enstone-based outfit are keeping the rookie on his toes and have reportedly delayed a decision to renew his contract until the end of September.