Fernando Alonso has played down the prospect that he could quit formula one as soon as he bags a third drivers’ title.
The 25-year-old Spaniard won back to back championships with Renault and, after switching to McLaren, is jointly leading the 2007 standings.
The situation has rekindled memories of statements Alonso made late last year, when he hinted that he would be content to retire with the same number of titles as Ayrton Senna, Nelson Piquet and Niki Lauda.
In an new interview with Deutsche Press-Agentur, however, he clarified that while he would be content with three championships, it does not mean that he will quit if he achieves it in 2007.
Alonso started a three-season McLaren contract this year, and said: “Even if I do achieve my ambition (in 2007) it will not mean that I will no longer want to drive.
“If I should become a three times world champion, I will try to do it four times.
“Each year you need new motivations and new goals. This year the motivation is to win with McLaren-Mercedes and get the title. And next year will not be different,” Alonso said.
He agreed, however, that a third title would probably change the challenge of formula one for him in successive seasons.
Alonso explained: “The pressure would probably not be as high as before — I can imagine it would be more fun.”
