Dennis impressed with 'faultless' Alonso

Although Alonso has seen the 25-point lead he held over Schumacher at the Canadian Grand Prix eroded completely ahead of this afternoon's race in Japan, Dennis thinks that events outside of the Spaniard's control are the root cause of the situation.

And furthermore, Dennis believes that Alonso himself has been 'faultless' during the campaign.

"I am impressed by how strong he has been in the car," said Dennis, who has suggested that Alonso's recent criticisms of the Renault team are the result of personal annoyance at what has happened this year.

"Anything he has said comes out of the understandable frustration of seeing his lead eroded," Dennis said.

"But, from our perspective, what is most impressive is that he has taken the pressure extremely well and so far he has had a faultless season as far as his contribution to his team.

"He has not made any mistakes and he has driven very well."

Dennis added that he has no issues with Alonso's off-track persona, despite the controversy that the world champion caused earlier this week when he claimed Renault had deserted him at some races this year.

"Whatever he said, and there have obviously been a few controversial things, we all suffer those at specific moments of time. He is clearly very strong.

"Inevitably (as his future team boss) you have a greater interest in seeing what he says and how he says it. I am more impressed when it is a pure quote rather than something he is reputed to have said. He is very well put together in the mind."

When asked about his feelings on the championship outcome, Dennis said that he merely wanted the title fight to go the final round in Brazil.

"To finish first, first you have to finish. That applies to everybody. 100 percent reliability is rarely achieved. Fernando had an engine failure at a critical stage in Monza, this could happen to Michael and you never know what is going to unfold.

"That is the nature of Grand Prix racing. I just hope that the world championship is not decided here (in Japan). I think that will be best for F1.

"We want two great races, which hopefully determine the world championship in Brazil."