Alonso Vows to Attack in Brazil

Although Alonso needs just six points from the final three races of the year to clinch the title, even if rival Kimi Raikkonen wins all the events, he made it clear on Monday that he is not going to take it easy.

"As always, I go there trying to do the maximum," he said. "What's the point of going to a race and only aiming for a podium? You can't do that, you have to want to be the best, to attack.

"So that's what I am going to Brazil to do. We need to have a smooth weekend, no problems, and hopefully we will get the result we want."

When asked whether he was nervous about the event, he said: "No, I'm not. For sure, I am quite close now to the Championship, but I approach this race like any other.

"We have been quick in Brazil in recent years, and now our car is even stronger in every area. So I am looking forward to the race."

Should Alonso be successful, then he will become the youngest World Champion in history. He has denied, however, that achieving that accolade is any more important than just winning the title.

"To become World Champion is the maximum for a driver, so I am happy and proud to have the possibility while I am so young," he added. "But being the youngest is not what motivates me.

"The maximum for a sportsman is to be the best in his championship, and to be the best in Formula 1 is the ultimate for any racing driver."