Formula One: Alonso Criticises Scuey

Fernando Alonso has accused Michael Schumacher of being the most unsporting driver in the history of formula one. He made the remark to Spain's Radio Marca station after the Italian grand prix in which Schumacher, who will retire at the end of the season, won to cut Alonso's championship lead to only two points with three races to go.

"[Zinédine] Zidane retired with more glory than Schumacher," said Alonso, referring to the French footballer whose final professional match was marred by a red card for butting an opponent in this year's World Cup final. "Michael is the most unsporting driver with the largest number of sanctions [against him] in the history of formula one. That doesn't mean he hasn't been the best driver, and fighting against him has been an honour and a pleasure."

The 25-year-old Spaniard's championship lead was slashed from 12 points when he retired with engine failure at Monza on Sunday, after he had been controversially demoted from fifth to 10th on the starting grid for allegedly impeding Schumacher's Ferrari team-mate, Felipe Massa, in qualifying. Renault's defending champion criticised what he saw as attempts to favour Schumacher in the German's final season.

"In formula one there are commercial and political interests," he said. "We are talking about the most successful driver in history and a little bit of help has never gone amiss."

Referring to Schumacher's impending retirement, Alonso admitted that his rival's departure would leave a void in the sport. "Some people in formula one will not be so happy because there will be no one for them to follow in the races. We lose and we will miss a great champion on the track. He beat all the records and has the best numbers in formula one. But I think maybe formula one itself will focus more on the sport after his retirement."

He also confessed that, after being penalised at Monza, the thought of not taking part in the race had briefly crossed his mind. "You think about not racing, but it goes away quickly once you put your helmet on," he said. "I was 100% sure that I could win the race from anywhere on the grid, to keep on scoring points and finish in front. What I'm sure about is that he who laughs last laughs longest."

Alonso had hoped to be testing at Jerez in his home country this week in preparation for the remaining championship races, starting with the Chinese grand prix on October 1. But after damaging his knee during practice for the Italian round he has decided to miss testing.

"I banged my knee on the side of the chassis in Monza and there is some bruising," he said. "I raced with the problem at the weekend but we took the decision not to test this week to let it recover in the best way possible.

"I am really frustrated with the situation because I wanted to be out there testing. We have new tyres, new developments on the car and engine parts to test as well. It will be a very busy and important week in Jerez."