Days before he may make history by becoming the youngest World Champion in the history of Formula One, Fernando Alonso has been officially recognized in his native Spain.

The youngster has been awarded the prestigious Principe de Asturias, Spain's top international sporting honour.

"The victories and records that Fernando Alonso holds are the result of an exemplary trajectory that stretches back to his childhood and one that has been characterised by a determination that has opened up new avenues in the history of Formula One in Spain," said the foundation jury that awards the prize.

Previous winners include Lance Armstrong, Martina Navratilova, Severiano Ballesteros and Carl Lewis.

Alonso looks set to secure the World Championship in his fourth full season of F1, having entered the sport with Minardi in 2001. In 1996 he was World Kart Champion and three years later won the Nissan Open Series.

His F1 success has been tremendous news for the sport in his homeland, which previously preferred its motorsport to have two-wheels.