Alonso cools plaudits

Alonso is challenging F1's top names this season

Insight: Fernando Alonso

Renault driver Fernando Alonso has asked for a sense of perspective amid claims that he could be Formula One's next great star.

The 21-year-old Spaniard has been tipped as a future world champion and has been compared with Michael Schumacher at a similar stage of his career by Renault technical director Mike Gascoyne.

The compliments have come after a series of impressive performances from Alonso this year, only his second season in F1.

But Alonso said: "It's not time to think about such things. I'm 22, and at the moment no-one needs to remind me I have only two podiums.

"I don't feel I'm in the history books of F1. I've done nothing. I have to do good things to win races, titles, but it's not something I worry about right now. I have time."

Gascoyne has told the BBC Sport website that it is only a matter of time before Alonso wins his first race - and the Englishman believes it could even happen this season if circumstances play into his hands.

I am the first Spanish driver to have the chance to do great things - people seem to be enjoying that and taking it seriously

Fernando Alonso

Alonso faces one of the biggest tests of his season this weekend when he races in front of his home fans at the Circuit de Calatunya near Barcelona.

His performances have created new interest in F1 in Spain, a country that has traditionally preferred motorbike racing to cars.

"This is obviously a very important race. It's a special feeling to be racing in front of my home fans," Alonso told Autosport magazine.

"It means a lot to me to know that people around the circuit are concentrating on me.

"I think that every driver tries to do a little bit more for their home race, and it is no different for me. A good result here this weekend would be very special indeed."

A recent article in the El Pais newspaper made comparisons between Alonso and golfer Severiano Ballesteros, tennis player Manuel Santana and motorcycle rider Angel Nieto.

All were pioneers, champions who drew huge followings in sports in which Spain had never before excelled and encouraged others to follow their examples.

Alonso said: "I've got more interesting things to do than think about that. But it's true that no Spanish driver ever had a chance to be in a great team and do good things.

"I am the first and people seem to be enjoying that and taking it seriously. F1 can be a great sport in Spain."