By Nat
February 5 2006

One year ago, Fernando Alonso was a young driver with an exceptional future ahead of
him. Twelve months later, and he has little left to prove, entering the 2006 season as
reigning world champion. Born on 29 July 1981 in Oviedo, capital of the Asturias region
of Spain, Fernando holds the record as youngest pole-sitter, the youngest Grand Prix
winner – and now the youngest man to claim the World Drivers’ Championship in
motorsport’s most prestigious series. The 2005 season marked a genuine milestone in
the Spaniard’s career, and he enters the new years determined to defend his crown.
Key details
Fernando Alonso
Date of birth: 29 July 1981
Place of birth: Oviedo (Spain)
Nationality: Spanish
Height: 1.71m
Weight: 68 kg

1984: Fernando Alonso takes his first steps in motorsport thanks to his father, as he climbs aboard his first go-kart at the age of 3.
1988 – 1998: Karting Like many other drivers, Fernando started out in go-karts, and competed for nearly 10 years in different categories. He soon made a name for himself, firstly at national level
and then internationally. He still speaks of his accomplishments with pride. Spanish
Junior Champion, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996; Junior World Champion, 1996; Spanish and
Italian Inter-A Champion, 1997; Spanish Inter-A Champion 1998; winner of the Elf
Masters at Bercy in 1998.
1999: Euro-Open Movistar Championship His single-seater debut came in the Euro-Open Movistar championship. An extremely motivated competitor, Fernando distinguished himself with a desire to learn, and to do so quickly. He soon found his feet, and won the title in his first season, with 6 wins and 9 pole positions.
2000: F3000 Championship
Having impressed with his work ethic and versatility, Fernando was offered an F3000
drive with Astromega in 2000. He finished fourth, but his most notable achievement was a faultless victory at Spa-Francorchamps. This performance got him noticed and gave him the boost he needed to reach his ultimate target: Formula 1. 4th in the F3000 championship, 1 victory in Spa-Francorchamps, 2 podiums and 1 pole position.
2001: Formula 1, Minardi At just 19 years old, Fernando began his first season as a Grand Prix driver, with Minardi.
2002 – 2005: Formula 1, Renault F1 Team
Fernando Alonso has been part of Renault’s F1 return since 2002, the first season for the 100% Renault team. He began as test driver in 2002, completing plenty of miles in the background as he honed his skills and found his feet with the team. The following year, he secured a race drive and, deploying his characteristic dedication and determination, the young Spaniard led the team to its achievements in 2005 – and in doing so, confirmed the potential many had long seen in him.

Career Statistics: Fernando Alonso
Last Name Alonso
First Name Fernando
DOB 29/07/1981
Place of birth Oviedo, Spain
Height 1.71m
Weight 68kg
First F1 season 2001
Wins 8
Podiums 23
Pole positions 9
Front row starts 12
GP started 70
Points scored 247
Fastest laps 3
Laps completed in GP 3622 laps
Km covered in GP 17628 km
Laps led 493 laps
Km led 2413 km
Youngest pole-sitter – Malaysia 2003
Youngest GP winner – Hungary 2003
Youngest world champion - 24 years, 1 month and 27 days
2005 SEASON - Alonso
19 GP

RENAULT F1 TEAM
Win 7
2nd position 5
3rd position 3
4th position 1
5th position 0
6th position 0
7th position 0
8th position 0
Fastest lap 2
Pole position 6
Front row starts 9
Drivers’ Championship 1st
Points 133
2004 SEASON - Alonso
18 GP

RENAULT F1 TEAM
Win 0
2nd position 1
3rd position 3
4th position 4
5th position 2
6th position 1
7th position 1
8th position 0
Fastest lap 0
Pole position 1
Front row starts 1
Drivers’ Championship 4th
Points 59
2003 SEASON - Alonso
16 GP

RENAULT F1 TEAM
Win 1
2nd position 1
3rd position 2
4th position 3
5th position 1
6th position 1
7th position 1
8th position 1
Fastest lap 1
Pole position 2
Front row starts 2
Drivers’ Championship 6th
Points 55
2001 SEASON - Alonso
17 GP

MINARDI
Win 0
2nd position 0
3rd position 0
4th position 0
5th position 0
6th position 0
Fastest lap 0
Pole position 0
Front row starts 0
Drivers’ Championship 23rd
Points 0