As a new chapter dawns on Fernando Alonso's motorsport career, the Spaniard looks back on his past achievements and notes one accomplishment that surpasses all his race wins and titles.
The two-time F1 world champion has picked out his 2005 Premio Principe de Asturias award - bestowed upon a personality for notable achievements in science, humanities, public affairs or sport - as perhaps the highlight of his existence.
"The Premio Principe de Asturias is probably the biggest thing I achieved, even more than any Formula 1 championship," said Alonso at the end of last season in Abu Dhabi.
"That kind of award is about changing people’s lives and introducing a lot of people into one sport. So, those kinds of things are much bigger than any trophy."
Alonso's 32 triumphs and two world crowns in Grand Prix racing undoubtedly served the purpose of increasing Spain's awareness for the sport, something the 37-year-old F1 retiree values tremendously.
"I am very proud. I think you only realise with time, when you see how many people follow the sport now in Spain, in my region in Asturias, how many people travel to Oviedo to visit the museum, to have the first go in go-karts," Alonso added.
"A lot of people started following Formula 1 and not just Formula 1, motorsports in general, in my country, which definitely was not a tradition.
"We were not broadcasting the races in 2001, 2002, I think it started in the middle of 2003.
"Something that is unthinkable now, when Formula 1 is the second or third sport in Spain, that’s something that I feel really proud of."
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