Alonso looking to lift French spirits with Renault victory

FERNANDO ALONSO is aiming to lift the World Cup gloom hanging over France by crushing Ferrari’s recovery at Magny-Cours this weekend.

World champion Alonso was soundly beaten by Michael Schumacher at Indianapolis two weeks ago but is aiming to put the Ferrari ace in his place at Renault’s home track.

The battle between Formula One’s two powerhouses has been given added intensity by the World Cup, with Ferrari celebrating Italy’s penalty shoot-out win over France, home of Renault.