Alonso Plays Down Hype after Malaysia

Fernando Alonso has already been heralded as a future Formula One World Champion after his third place finish in Malaysia, but the 21-year-old Spaniard has warned his country not to expect too much too soon.

"It's going to be very difficult, almost impossible, to get on the podium again this season," the Renault driver told Onda Cero radio today after landing at Madrid's Barajas airport.

"Our expectations remain as they were at the start of the season. We just have to continue working as we have been doing, whether the results are good or bad. There was no euphoria as far as I was concerned. The third place came about because the circuit suited us well throughout the weekend."

Alonso was the youngest driver to qualify on pole position and his third place earned Renault their first podium finish since they returned to Formula One as a full works team last year. He did it despite running a fever during the race and Spanish newspapers were quick to hail him as the next Michael Schumacher.

El Mundo proclaimed the arrival of "Alonsomania", while El Pais said his performance "touched heaven".

Alonso, from the Asturias region in the North of Spain, was flying straight on from Madrid to London on Monday and was clearly frustrated at not being able to go back home.

"I'm close to home but it's just not going to happen," Alonso said. "I hope I can get back home for a few days to be with my family above all."