Alonso upbeat over Renault hopes

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Fernando Alonso says a good start for Renault to the new Formula One season will put speculation about him one day switching to Ferrari on the backburner.

The Spaniard was speaking at the launch of Renault's R29 car in which he will battle for a third drivers' title.

"Hopefully this year I can be more relaxed about this question," he said when asked again about joining Ferrari.

"If we are winning races and fighting for the championship then maybe we forget Ferrari."

The latest rumour emerged earlier this month, with claims he had agreed to join Ferrari in 2011 once Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen's deals have expired.

Alonso refused to be drawn and said: "When we talk about 2010, 2011 or 2012, it is a difficult question to answer because I'm not looking that far [ahead].

"Right now, I only have one target - winning the championship. I am more motivated than ever, more prepared than ever, physically and mentally.

"If we don't win it, then it will be a disappointing season.

"In race two or race three, if we are nowhere, then maybe we have to change our target."

Alonso, 27, committed to Renault until the end of the 2010 season in December.

He finished 2008 with two wins in the last four races, to renew belief in the team's ability to challenge for the title.

Alonso, a two-time world champion with Renault, finished fifth in the drivers' standings, while the French team were fourth in the constructors' championship.

Renault are hoping the R29 will allow Alonso and team-mate Nelson Piquet Jr to mount a serious challenge to front-runners McLaren and Ferrari.

Team boss Flavio Briatore said: "We began our preparations for the R29 project early and I am proud of what the team has achieved.

"There are lots of new things to deal with this year, which could shake things up, but we intend to continue fighting at the front."

The R29 incorporates the wide nose and narrow rear wing seen in other 2009 cars, and carries over last season's shark-fin engine cover.

The most visible change is the team's striking new yellow livery, replacing 2008's blue and orange design.