After a tumultuous 2007 Formula One season with McLaren, Fernando Alonso returns to Renault. This time around the Spaniard driver will be keeping it simple by taking one race at a time.

The 26-year-old two-time world champion is starting over again with the French team. Alonso is pleased the No. 1 status was accorded to him by team boss Flavio Briatore. The preferential status lets him focus on the track, where he hopes to bolt from the blue on race day.

"We're making a huge effort. I wake up at 7 every morning and get to thinking of what we can do (to improve the car)," Alonso said. "I've recovered my passion for racing."

Last season, Renault finished 50 points behind second-place BMW Sauber and 153 behind champion Ferrari in the F1 constructors' championship.

"I knew from the start it would be difficult, but the team is better," Alonso told Associated Press. "I probably have a 30 percent chance of being champion."

In the history of F1 racing, only eight drivers bagged three world championships. And Alonso’s rivals think the Oviedo native won’t make it to the list this season.

"I think Alonso was more dangerous at McLaren," Ferrari's Felipe Massa said. "At Renault I think he has a lot of work to do, we'll have to wait and see. Renault won some championships, they can improve, they are a good team. But not for the moment."

The Spaniard and Brazilian teammate Nelson Piquet Jr. have been cautious about Renault's expectations with so much scrutiny surrounding Alonso’s comeback.

The Brazilian said improvements would be necessary if Renault wants to challenge for the podium. "In a normal race - a normal situation - I don't think we're going to win the race. In rain, or other different kind of situations, I think we can win a race. But I don't think we have the speed to win a race right now," said Piquet Jr. "These kind of things you can't fix in a day. We won't win the title in one day. It will be a fight with all of the teams after McLaren and Ferrari."

Giancarlo Fisichella, who joined Force India after leaving Renault, said Renault was paying for poor development and testing. "To win a race for Fernando is difficult this year. Renault is a little bit better but not enough to win a race," the Italian driver told USA Today. "McLaren and Ferrari are a good step forward compared to them ... maybe they can fight for the podium sometimes, but it's going to be tough."

Of course, the R28 car will be devoid of performance pulley and other restricted parts. So the winning power is burdened on legit race parts and drivers exceptional skills.