21-year-old Fernando has a very impressive racing history, the new Renault driver taking the Spanish Karting title at the age of thirteen. His determination to succeed only increased after taking this sweet victory and two years later he took the title again as well as becoming the World Karting Champion.

This obviously talented Spanish youngster has been highly sought after in the world of Formula One as his achievements speak for themselves. His third Spanish Karting title came in 1997, making it three in four years. Form there he became the runner up in the European Kart championship before taking the Euro Open Championship for Nissan in 1999.

In the 2000 season Fernando undertook testing duties for the Minardi outfit while competing in the Formula 3000 Championship. During his year in this series, the young Spaniard caught the attention of high profile teams such as Ferrari and Benetton. He competed for team Astromega and his season highlights included a sixth in Austria, second Hungary, and a win in Belgium. Combined, these results saw him finish sixth overall in the final championship standings.

He progressed to the pinnacle of Motorsports in 2001 where he partnered thee more experienced Tarso Marques for the European Minardi team, making his debut in Melbourne. Some impressive performances soon followed but he opted to sit out active competition in 2002 and concentrate on testing duties for Renault.

Following his season testing with Renault, Alonso got his big chance a year later making his debut with the team as a race driver and taking his first win in Formula One at the Hungarian Grand Prix just a few month later and finishing a strong sixth in the drivers' standings.

2004 started well enough with third position in Australia but Alonso then had to wait until mid-season to gain his second podium position with a fine second place at Magny Cours. Back to back podiums followed in Hockenheim and Hungary, but Alonso was unable to win a race in 2004.

Everything fell Alonso's way in 2005 as he recorded seven race wins and eclipsed Emerson Fittipaldi's long standing record as the Spaniard became the youngest ever Formula One World Champion. It was a stunning season from Alonso who made best of his ultra-competitive R25 package and beat season-long rival Kimi Raikkonen to the title by 21 points. Alonso's on track efforts also brought Renault their first Constructors' Championship.

Alonso returns again with Renault in 2006 and will resume his battles with the likes of Raikkonen and Schumacher as he chases his second title.