Alonso says no regrets over McLaren move

Alonso will leave the French squad at the end of this year to drive for Ron Dennis' outfit. McLaren, however, have failed to score any wins so far this season, while Alonso has won six races to grab a solid lead in the championship battle.

Despite McLaren's tough season, however, Alonso reckons the team will be the ones to beat in 2007.

"No, I'm not regretting that at all," the Spaniard told Gazzetta dello sport. "I want to start a new stage in my career with Ron Dennis' team, and I think next year the best car will be painted in gray."

Despite his six wins, and having been on the podium in all but one races, the Spaniard is just 19 points ahead of Ferrari rival Michael Schumacher in the standings.

Alonso believes this year is proving harder than 2005, when he became Formula One's youngest champion.

"This year, with Schumacher as main rival, it's harder compared to 2005," he added. "Back then we were racing against Raikkonen and his McLaren had mechanical problems more than once, so we managed to score more points.

"This year, however, the Ferrari has never broken down so all the points we've scored have been earned on the track."

Alonso missed out on a podium finish for the first time this season at Indianapolis last weekend, when he struggled for pace and finished just fifth.

"In Indianapolis nothing worked, from the car to the engine. During the weekend it was clear that we wouldn't be fast enough to finish on the podium.

"Anyway I'll repeat it: we know it won't be easy, as we have some very strong drivers facing us. But this is my last year at Renault and my motivations are even higher."