Confirming his reputation
Fernando Alonso says he feels less pressure attacking the 2006 season as world champion.
Fending off gossip that his McLaren Mercedes defection plus the expectation of defending his drivers` title had ramped up the pressure, the 24-year-old reckons he has already proved his worth.
“People always said that I was one of the new talents,” Alonso said. “So if that is true, sooner or later you have to confirm your reputation before it is gone. I have done that.”

On the 2006 grid, there are only three world champions - Alonso, the youngest ever, plus Michael Schumacher and 1997 winner Jacques Villeneuve.

Alonso said: “So I see it that there is more pressure on the other 19.”

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