Alonso says Renault win unlikely in '09

Although Renault struggled in the first half of 2008, Alonso was one of the most successful drivers in the second half, scoring two wins in Japan and Singapore.

The French car maker has not reached the podium this season yet, but has been making progress towards the front in recent races.

But with Renault having already stopped developments of this year's car, Alonso believes repeating last year's feat is unlikely.

"We will see," Alonso told reporters ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix. "This year is different and you never what is going to happen. Last year it was difficult to predict our final part of the championship, and this year it is also difficult to predict how it is going to be for us and the other teams.

"Maybe last year we had a better opportunity because the car was improving with every race, and this year it is not the case.

"The 2009 Renault is already finished, and the 2010 car has already started, so there will be little improvement from now on and so more difficult to win races.

"But in the last three races we were very competitive. If we had had some luck one of those weekends, and we had maximised our opportunities, then we'd be talking about podiums.

"But we didn't maximise the opportunities, so from now on we need perfect weekends."

The Spaniard, who continues to be linked with a Ferrari drive in 2010, said he is "very active" in his discussions with other teams, but insisted there will be no inminent announcements.

"We're still thinking and evaluating some possibilities, so we will see. Maybe next week is too early."