The Renault F1 Team President is relieved… and delighted! He gave his impressions several minutes after the race finish.

Patrick, what are you feeling today?
Patrick Faure: I am relieved. It felt like a very, very long race. I think I went through the longest 90 minutes of my life! I am also pleased because this is the first title for a 100% Renault car. And we did it against tough opposition. Also, it’s a real pleasure to see Fernando crowned as the youngest champion in history. It fits Renault’s image, which is all about human warmth and youth. I have been in charge of Renault’s F1 operations for 21 years, and we have now won everything during this period.

Is it important to be the first people to break Michael Schumacher’s reign?
PF: Yes. It is nice, because I think we are seeing a year of transition between the Schumacher era and a new generation of drivers. Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen are the stars of the future.

Finally, what do you think of the Alonso phenomenon?
PF: The boy just amazes me. He Is exceptional. When Flavio Briatore mentioned him to me for the first time four or five years ago, he mentioned some exceptional qualities: aggression and consistency. Fernando showed he had them when he arrived at Renault. This year, he has added another string to his bow. He has shown he is a subtle strategic thinker, and a mature guy. He knows how to attack, to start from the front and win a race. He knows how to defend his position like in Imola. He also knows how to manage a situation, and not go for broke when his car isn’t good enough to run at the front. And he is only 24! We are witnessing the blossoming of an exceptional talent.