Alonso: 2007 dented Renault's confidence

After winning back to back championships in 2005 and 2006, Renault took just one podium finish last year.

Alonso said that downturn had clearly affected the team's self-assurance.

"Two years ago the team had more confidence in their ability after two consecutive titles," he told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Now, each time something new is brought to the track, they cross fingers. It's the effect of a negative 2007."

But he cited Renault's recovery from a middling 2004 season as an example of how the team could revive their fortunes, and added that his former team McLaren had managed a similar turnaround before 2007.

"In 2004 we had problems and the following year we won the title," Alonso said. "I'm convinced they can do it again, they know how to do that. It would have been riskier elsewhere for me.

"And besides, when I arrived at McLaren, they were struggling to get into the top ten. And in February, before going to Australia, they couldn't imagine we would have been so quick as to win the second race.

"Every time you pick a team you are gambling, because how can you know in November what will happen in the following season?

"Obviously I feel good here, but I'd like to win, to always have at my disposal a car one second faster than the others. I don't think I'd enjoy always finishing tenth."

However Alonso conceded that the engine freeze and the switch to a single tyre supplier now made it harder for teams to regain lost ground.

"We are becoming a sort of GP2: same tyres, same engines," he said. "We don't have the best technology anymore. And if you have a car that doesn't go (quickly) in the winter, you have to put up with it for the whole season."