Alonso feeling less pressure now

"From my point of view, there will be less pressure," said Alonso as his Renault team officially launched their new car for the 2006 season in Monaco.

"Until last year, you always heard people saying I was one of the young, talented drivers. When that is the opinion, you have to prove you deserve the reputation - and you have to win before it is too late.

"Now, I have done it and out of 22 drivers, we are only three who have won the championship: Michael (Schumacher), Jacques (Villeneuve) and me. So from that point of view, I think the other nineteen drivers have the pressure."

Spaniard Alonso became Formula One's youngest driver after scoring seven wins during 2005, fending off the challenge from McLaren rival Kimi Raikkonen.

After last year's success, the 24-year old says nothing but another title will suffice.

"At this time of year, it doesn't mean anything to say you can win the title - but I certainly want to be fighting for it," he added. "Renault has the potential, the team has the confidence that we can do it from last year, and the form of the car seems competitive.

"My goal is to defend the number one on the nose of the R26."

Although the McLaren team were Renault's main rivals last season, Alonso expects Ferrari to return to form after a disappointing 2005.

"From what we can see at the moment, Ferrari look strong. McLaren will be at the front I am sure. Then, we generally see another surprise. In 2004, that was Honda. In 2005, Toyota were there at the start of the season. I expect at least one of those two to be competitive as well."