Alonso: Renault must prove their potential

Alonso, who has a clause in his Renault contract that allows him to leave at the end of this year, is optimistic that should the team continue their current rate of development, which allowed them to finish ahead of BMW Sauber on pace in the Hungarian Grand Prix earlier this month, he could be persuaded to stay on.

"I would love to finish this season strongly enough with Renault to have the condience that next year they can do well," said Alonso. "With the change of regulations next year it's unknown which teams will be quick and which will be slow.

"But at least Renault two years ago were world champion so we know they can do quick cars. I want to win races next year, I want to be competitive, I want to be on the podium and you need to see what possibilities you have to do that."

Alonso also indicated that the next four races will be crucial in deciding his future. Honda team principal Ross Brawn has admitted that he is a target, but Alonso has admitted that staying at Renault is still a strong possibility.

"Why not? I think we'll see," he said on staying at Renault. "We are fighting for fourth place in the Constructors' Championship with Toyota and it's time to put everything into getting this fouth place. After that, in September, it's time to think about next year.

"I will concentrate on the next three or four races, because for us they are crucial."