Alonso: It's difficult to see F1 without Bernie

Formula 1 veteran and double world champion Fernando Alonso hopes that Bernie Ecclestone continues ti be involved at the top level of the sport amid the new era being ushered in by the sport's new owners Liberty Media.

McLaren driver Alonso said of the 85-year-old Ecclestone, "He is Formula One. It's difficult to see Formula One without Bernie so I think hopefully he will stay and we will see him every weekend as we have been doing for the last 16, 17 years in my case but forever in Formula One. He's experienced as well, and his knowledge is very, very important for any decision that Formula One makes in the future."

Nevertheless Alonso has applauded the arrival of Liberty, "I think it's good. They have good experience, they are American, the sport there is quite popular, they seem to give to the spectator on the television and also to the fans close to the sport quite good coverage.

"Everything that comes from American sport normally is attractive. I think their point of view and their ideas will be very welcome in our sport and I see a good future, a good thing for Formula One. We are all hoping the best and we are all ready to help as much as we can, if we can do anything," added Alonso.