Two-time reigning world champion Fernando Alonso is targeting a third title with his new McLaren Mercedes team, saying that aiming for just podium finishes is not good enough.

Alonso was speaking Monday at the unveiling of the team's 2007 car, the MP4-22, which Alonso and Lewis Hamilton will use to contest this year's Formula 1 World Championship.

When asked what his hopes for the season were, Alonso replied: "To win the Championships is the only answer to this question.

"After winning the last two Championships you cannot arrive at the first race in 2007 hoping to be on the podium or in the points, you need to be the best.

"It is for this reason that I switched to Vodafone McLaren Mercedes as we have the same targets for 2007.

"We both want to be World Champions, I hope to have a car to become Champion and I hope to help the team to take the Constructors' title as well."

Alonso predicted that McLaren Mercedes will be more competitive this season than the last, when it finished third in the constructor's championships, well behind winner Renault and second-placed Ferrari.

"The team is doing a good job as we prepare for 2007. There is an understanding within the team where things were not quite right last year and I feel completely confident," said Alonso.

"Once we get the MP4-22 on track, the progress we can make from now until the first race will be really big, and I have no doubt that we will fight for the championship thanks to the work of everyone within the team."

Alonso, who won his two world titles with Renault, will race alongside Hamilton, last year's GP2 champion who will become the first black driver to compete in Formula One.

"It is truly an honor for me to be given this opportunity to work alongside Fernando in my first year as a Formula 1 driver," admitted Hamilton.

"I have a tremendous amount of respect for what he has achieved. The shear size of the challenge of working with him and competing against him is what is most exciting.

"With Fernando being a two time World Champion, I know I have to dig deeper than ever before which is what I love about being a racing driver."

Hamilton was nine years old when he approached McLaren boss Ron Dennis at the 1994 Autosport Awards and calmly asserted that he would be interested in driving for the team - once his feet could reach the pedals.

Dennis was impressed with the youngster's confidence, and kept tabs on his development from the kart circuit to GP2.

Hamilton admitted that the dream had now come true.

"Growing up I always dreamed of racing for McLaren and now, I am. The thought of racing and working with my teammates is a great feeling, to be driving a Vodafone McLaren Mercedes is literally surreal.

"I know I have to work harder to be stronger mentally and physically and to prepare myself for whatever may come my way in Formula 1, but I am ready and relishing the challenge."

Dennis said: "In Fernando and Lewis we have two of the most exciting and talented drivers in Formula 1. They both have great potential to inspire others to push hard to achieve their dreams."

(China Daily via AFP?January 17, 2007)