I am very proud of what we have built in Spain, because it is not a traditional Formula 1 country. I think we have found passionate fans, and built up a strong culture for the sport - and things are improving every day, with more and more people getting interested.

002 seconds to Vettel with Massa qualifying third. Renault also clinched the Constructors' Championship with a 5-point gap over Ferrari. Alonso controversially dedicated his podium afterwards to recently departed team boss Flavio Briatore saying "he is part of the success we had today".

Nicknamed El Nano a typical pseudonym for Fernando in Asturias his place of birth Alonso acts as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF. before both records were broken by Sebastian Vettel in the 2008 Italian Grand Prix. He made his Formula One debut in the 2001 season with Minardi and then moved to the Renault as a test driver the next year.