Symonds wants a more aggressive Alonso

Although Symonds believes Alonso did nothing anything wrong in playing it safe for much of the season to protect his World Championship lead, he hopes the Spaniard will show exactly what he is made of in his final year at Renault.

Speaking now about the change in Alonso's approach to racing after he captured the world title in Interlagos, Symonds told autosport.com: "I think what we saw in leading up to Brazil was the conservatism that would ensure his championship. What we saw after Brazil was the real Fernando.

"What I want to see next year is the real Fernando throughout the year, irrespective of championship positions. That is something I hope he has learned from this year.

"Now in saying that I am not implying that he did anything wrong, he did exactly what was required, but I think sometimes to defend you need to attack. And I think that is the one lesson that I hope we have all learned from this season -- that irrespective of championship positions we just keep going for the wins."

Symonds believes that Alonso's confidence will have been boosted by his title success this year - and is hoping that it will make him even more determined to retain his crown.

"When a driver wins his first race, it appears and statistically it is shown, that it becomes easier to win after that," he explained. "And I am sure that is a mental barrier that they break through - and I am sure it is the same with the championship.

"Fernando looks very calm and he looks like the same guy who started driving for us a few years ago, but deep down inside he knows he can do it.

"I would not be surprised if he does not have the same objectives that I have - to do it again is more important than doing it the first time. Doing it the first time of course it is great, but a number of circumstances can help lead to you winning.

"To do it again and to do it consistently shows real class and skill and that is certainly the way I approach it. I think he can go forward from here with the confidence to do it, which makes it so much easier and I suspect even more willing to do it."