Alonso can better Schumacher record - Renault boss

World champion Fernando Alonso can match and “perhaps even surpass” Michael Schumacher’s achievements in Formula One, according to Flavio Briatore.

Alonso, like Schumacher, won his first world title under the wing of Briatore after being plucked from further down the grid by the flamboyant Italian.

Under Briatore’s watchful eye, Schumacher won two championships at Benetton before going on to rewrite Formula One record books with five more titles at Ferrari. Now Briatore claims Alonso has the ability to do even better.

The Spaniard became the youngest champion in Formula One history this year, helping Renault to the constructors’ crown as well, and team boss Briatore is predicting great things for the ex-Minardi driver.

He said: “In 2005, Fernando began the season as a 23-year-old, and he has done something exceptional this year. Through his maturity, he has done an incredible story.

“There is a great chance for Fernando to become a new Schumacher, and perhaps even surpass him one day.

“But you have to remember – it is always easier to become world champion than to stay champion, and helping Fernando to do that is our challenge now.”

Alonso believes he has much more to offer Formula One, predicting he will be an even better driver when he lines up on the grid for the first race of 2006 in Bahrain.

The 24-year-old insists he is “not a different person” despite his record-breaking title win and super-stardom in Spain. Instead he is focused on defending his crown next year, when he has vowed not to hide behind the number one on his Renault.

Asked whether his driving has improved, Alonso said: “Yes, but I’ll be even better at the next test – I am always learning, as soon as I get in the car. Tyres, chassis, engine, there’s always something to learn and analyse.

“I am taking nothing for granted [in 2006]. We all start on a level playing field. I hope we can make a perfect preparation, and maybe do it again. There is only one secret – working very, very hard.”

Alonso’s target for next season has already been laid down by the Renault team’s president, Patrick Faure.

He hailed his star driver’s “vitality and spontaneous energy”, claiming he is “young, Latin, bubbly, and brings great freshness to the team”.

But as for next season, he added: “From now, I think there can only be one objective – to start again next year. It is much easier to become champions, than to stay champions. There is still plenty of work to be done.”