I am not sad to lose the world title
Former world champion Michael Schumacher congratulated his successor Fernando Alonso here Sunday then promised to fight him harder next year to re-gain his crown. Schumacher, who has held the world title since 2000, said he was happy to hand it over to Alonso because of the successful teamwork the Spanish driver`s Renault squad have shown this year.
"I very much would like to congratulate them, they have done a very good job over the whole season, Fernando and the guys around him," said Schumacher, whose Ferrari team have been off the pace this year. "They have done a good job. The time when I was thinking about the title is over already because it was some weeks ago. It was so clear it would happen maybe now or the next race."
"I am not sad to lose the world title after all this time, it is more that I look forward to next year and to fight again next year and hopefully I will be able to do so."
Schumacher won his first world title working alongside many of the members of the Renault team, which grew out of the Benetton outfit he raced for in his early years in Formula One. "I have just met one of the mechanics from my time there, he is now the chief mechanic, and he was close to tears. It is really touching to see them after they have had to wait ten years to again win the championship," said the German.
Schumacher, who won 13 races on his way to a seventh world title last year, has had to face an uphill battle to be competitive this year after new regulations knocked his once dominant Ferrari team down the grid. But he is hoping his fourth place finish here Sunday is the sign of improvements to come. "Maybe this afternoon`s positive tendency can continue in the final two races and then we can fight again next season."
Renault are still fighting for the constructors` crown with McLaren but their strong teamwork has already eased Alonso to the drivers` title despite running the second best car on the grid. McLaren are now acknowledged to be the leaders of the pack but Flavio Briatore, who is the Renault team boss and also manager of Alonso, has helped steer a strong campaign this year.
Even Ferrari boss Jean Todt has been impressed. "Today Fernando Alonso took over the drivers` title that Michael had won with Ferrari for the last five years. Fernando has put together a perfect season, supported by Renault, led by Flavio Briatore and Patrick Faure and Michelin. Congratulations must go to all of them."


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