Int. Racing Driver: Fernando Alonso

Fernando Alonso has won International Racing driver of the year at the Autosport Awards

Glenn Freeman Dec 3, 2006, 11:22 PM

Autosport Awards

The Autosport Awards are a series of awards presented by motor racing magazine Autosport to drivers that have achieved significant milestones each season. Some of the presentations are selected by the general public via a reader's poll.

The Spaniard took his second consecutive world title after a battle with Michael Schumacher throughout the year, and he beat the German again to win the award.

Former Grand Prix driver Martin Brundle presented the award with Damon Hill, and the TV commentator said: "Fernando has an exceptional talent for someone of his age.

"The way he drives a Formula One car is weird, I'm not a fan of it, but it is so effective. He was definitely the driver of the year."

Alonso, not present to pick up his trophy, will face a tough challenge next year as he moves to McLaren, after the team failed to score a victory in 2006.

Renault's Head of Aerodynamics Dino Toso added: "Fernando is special. We've made him a world champion, and he has made us a world champion.

"But this is all about winning and we are committed to beating him next year. From working with him, we know we have a big job on our hands."