Following a disappointing second spell with the Renault team, Fernando Alonso joins Ferrari in 2010 with a clear aim of adding a third championship to his already impressive resume.

Following a successful period in karts, in which he became world champion, he stepped up to the Euro Open Championship for Nissan in 1999 and won the title. He moved to F3000 the following year, but F1 has already recognised his talents and he enjoyed a testing role with Minardi. He got his first F1 seat with the team in 2001 and put some impressive performances. In order to further his career he opted to return to a testing role this time with Renault the following year.

Renault rewarded him with the race drive in 2003, and he recorded his first win at the Hungarian Grand Prix just a few months later. In 2005 he became the youngest ever world champion beating Kimi Raikkonen to the title. Six wins from the first nine races followed in 2006, even though Michael Schumacher kept the pressure on he could not deny Alonso his second title.

He joined McLaren in 2007 and while the opening races of the season went smoothly, it was soon clear that tensions were building between Alonso, and team-mate Lewis Hamilton. Unhappy that he had to battle with his own team-mate for success, he finished third in the championship and left the team under a cloud to rejoin Renault.

With undisputed no.1 status he craved in 2008, his second two-year stint with Renault was disappointing with just two wins, one of which included the fixed Singapore Grand Prix. The 2009 package was not competitive - he scored just one podium all year - and after months of rumour, he agreed a multi-year deal to join Ferrari.

Strengths and Weaknesses
He has astonishing consistency and will battle hard regardless of his position and chances of a strong finish. He has made it clear that he demands number one status in a team.

Career High
After qualifying 16th in Brazil in 2005, he raced to third position to claim his first championship and ending Michael Schumacher's period of dominance in the sport.

Career Low
With tension between himself, McLaren and team-mate Lewis Hamilton reaching a peak in qualifying for the 2007 Hungarian Grand Prix, he deliberately blocked the pit box to ensure that Hamilton could not start his final qualifying lap ahead of the chequered flag. He claimed pole position as a result but was subsequently penalised.

Quotes
"I might not be fastest, or the most technical but I am consistent."

"Instead of complaining, moaning and bitching, which is what Alonso is doing at the moment, all he needs to do is concentrate on driving quicker." Niki Lauda.

"I don't see many weaknesses in Alonso when he is behind the wheel - he has the full deck of cards. Right now [he] is the most complete F1 driver out there in my view. Now he has a chance to push on again and there is no doubt he has more world championships in him." Martin Brundle.

Trivia
Alonso is claustrophobic and is terrified of being stuck in a lift.

Claire Furnell