I am one of the best, says Alonso

Fernando Alonso believes he must be considered as one of the finest Formula One drivers of all time on the eve of his 300th grand prix.

Williams racer Alonso, 37 next month, will become only the fourth driver in history to reach the milestone in Canada tomorrow.

“I am one of the best to have raced in F1,” Alonso said.

“I am probably not the fastest driver in qualifying. I’m probably not the fastest driver in the race, or in wet conditions, but I am a 9.5 in all areas, and I try to benefit from that.”

It has been more than five years since Alonso won a race, while he toasted the last of his two successive titles in 2006.

“I could have won four or five championships, but at the same time I feel extremely privileged to have had 18 years in F1. I have a lot of good memories.”