No easy option for Alonso

Fernando Alonso will not be taking it easy in this weekend’s Brazilian Grand Prix, even though he only needs to finish third to become Formula One’s youngster-ever world champion.

The Renault driver, 24, has led the standings for most of the season and is on the verge of creating history by becoming the youngest driver and first Spaniard to win the title.

But he has no intention of allowing McLaren rival Kimi Raikkonen an easy run to a seventh win of the season at Interlagos, despite only needing to finish on the podium for the fourth time in as many races.

“As always, I go there trying to do the maximum,” he said.

“What’s the point of going to a race and only aiming for a podium? You can’t do that, you have to want to be the best, to attack. So that’s what I am going to Brazil to do.

“We need to have a smooth weekend, no problems, and hopefully we will get the result we want.”

Alonso expressed his pride at his impending title win, which could come this weekend in Brazil, homeland of the previous youngest winner, Emerson Fittipaldi.

He added: “To become world champion is the maximum for a driver, so I am happy and proud to have the possibility while I am so young.

“But being the youngest is not what motivates me. The maximum for a sportsman is to be the best in his championship, and to be the best in Formula One is the ultimate for any racing driver.”