Renault's Executive Director of Engineering, Pat Symonds is one of the most knowledgeable men in the pitlane, and definitely not one given to hyperbole.

Having worked with Michael Schumacher during his title-winning years at Benetton, the Englishman knows what its like to work with the very best.

Therefore, who is best placed to give a verdict on World Champion elect, Fernando Alonso?

"He really is excellent," said Symonds in Interlagos. "That may be a bit of a glib statement, because you do expect me to say that, but I have worked with many champions before and he has many of the same characteristics.

"I think the thing that is surprising and is a real compliment to him is that one forgets his age," he continued, "because the maturity he shows is well beyond his age, even the time he has been in Formula One, which is not long. You just forget about it. It is like you are dealing with a guy who has a destiny, he knows that destiny and he is totally comfortable with it.

"He is a very intelligent guy, he is particularly good at reading a race, looking after equipment, in the same way that Michael is. He knows when to go fast and when to reel it back a bit. He has a very good understanding of the tactics and what needs to be done in the race. And he enjoys it. And I think that is always refreshing.

"He really is a good guy to work with and if he achieves the championship as we hope and expect he will I think he will thoroughly deserve to take Michael's crown.