Alonso needs to stop Schumacher comeback quickly

By Volker Gundrum Aug 2, 2006, 12:26 GMT

Spanish Formula One driver Fernando Alonso of Renault is seen in the paddock after the German Grand Prix at the racetrack in Hockenheim, Germany, Sunday 30 July 2006. Alonso placed fifth. EPA/ROLAND WEIHRAUCH

Budapest - Fernando Alonso is required to win or at least finish ahead of Michael Schumacher at the Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday if doesn't want to fully lose control over the Formula One season.

The title holder from the Renault team has seen a 25-point lead in the Formula One championship slashed to 11 in just three races, all of which Schumacher won in a dominant Ferrari.

Alonso tried to put on a brave face last weekend when he struggled to finish fifth, trailing Schumacher by more than 40 seconds at times.

'I have achieved an advantage of 11 points in 12 races. Now there are just six races left and I belief that is more reason for concern for Ferrari than for Renault,' he said.

However, Alonso admitted that improvement must come very quickly, especially concerning the team's Michelin tyres which have not performed well in the last three races.

'We definitely weren't the fastest Michelin team. We must change this quickly to stop Ferrari,' he said.

The statement shows a sense of urgency and chief engineer Pat Symonds also acknowledged the problems with Michelin.

But he also insisted that new tyres will be available for the Hungaroring weekend and that overall improvements will be made on the car which in the recent races also lacked speed compared to the Ferraris.

'It hasn't been a comfortable sight, but don't forget we are still leading both championships,' he said.

'This season has been a dangerous one for making predictions, but I am optimistic of a much-improved showing in Hungary. Last year, we showed that we can come back and fight a competitor who appeared to be faster than us,' Symonds added.

He was referring to two straight wins by Kimi Raikkonen last year which cut Alonso's lead from 26 to 14 points in two races, but Alonso rebounded strongly in the remaining five to lift the trophy.

Symonds said that the same was planned this time around: 'We certainly do not consider the recent swing towards our competitors to be a permanent one.'

Even Schumacher is convinced that Renault will come back at some stage in the season, but hopes that this will be delayed just a little bit for him to further close in or even pass Alonso.

But Symonds will have none of this, hoping for a return to success and the title on October 22 at the season finale in Brazil.

'We will be doing everything in our power to turn the tables on Sunday in Budapest.

'Hearing people write us off this year has only strengthened our resolve,' he insisted.