Alonso celebrates 10 years in Formula 1

It is now 10 years since the Spanish driver made his debut in Australia in the colours of Minardi. Since then he has claimed two world titles and established himself as a motorsport legend.

The fourth of March is a very special day for Fernando Alonso. It marks the 10th anniversary of the Spanish racing driver's debut in Formula 1 with Minardi. Since then, thanks to his outstanding achievements, he has carved out a niche in the history of this marvellous sport, winning two world championships. That is not his only claim to fame though, as corner after corner he has aroused the interest of a previously dormant public, generating a tidal wave coloured first blue, and now red.

It was in Australia where a fresh-faced young hopeful from Spain made his debut behind the wheel of a Minardi, on loan from Renault. It was not long before the French team realised that they had in him a gem for their own outfit, and decided to call him back home. Over the course of four years Alonso revolutionised the team's image, and aided by Flavio Briatore, reached the summit of success by claiming two world Championships. While those achievements would in themselves have established his name in motorsport history, he was also the youngest driver to claim a pole position and a podium finish in Formula 1. It was at the Malaysian Grand Prix, and he was aged just 21.

During this successful period Alonso became a battle-hardened professional, and in fact lived through some of the toughest moments in his career. It was on the Interlagos circuit in 2003 that his single-seater collided with a wheel shed by Mark Webber in a previous crash. That was the most serious accident he has ever been involved in, but far from halting his development it spurred him on further to establish his position in 2004, and taste glory in the following two seasons.

2007 marked the start of a new era with a change of team. Alonso decided to sign for McLaren. It was a year filled with controversy, the Spanish driver failing to find the support he expected from his own team, which clearly favoured Lewis Hamilton in certain aspects. His far from positive experience led him to return to Renault, where he finished fifth in the 2008 World Championship. The following season the two-time champion made every effort to squeeze all he could out of his car, but the machinery failed to respond. That disenchantment presaged what would be the culmination of his life's dream: a move to the most decorated team in history, Ferrari.

His initial experience in last year's World Championship was highly satisfactory. The Spaniard got the most out of the F10 and achieved a simply sensational second half of the season. He arrived at Abu Dhabi for the final showdown at the head of the standings, before poor strategy ultimately handed Sebastian Vettel the honours. He now returns in 2011 with his batteries fully recharged, though, and with an even better vibe as he begins a battle which could culminate with his third title.

Ten years have gone by since the start of a legend. A driver who has his homeland hooked on Formula 1 and arouses admiration worldwide for a job well done with its own rewards. On this very special date we would like to wish him many more successes in the future, and to assure him that his followers will never forget him.