Last year the Spaniard became Formula One's youngest champion by finishing third in the race, beating out Michael Schumacher for the title.

``Brazil will always hold unique memories from winning the championship in 2005,'' Alonso said. ``And the fact we are fighting for it again in 2006 makes it even more important.''

This year he is only one point shy of clinching his second consecutive championship, needing to finish Sunday's race eighth or better.

Alonso, who said anything can still happen and is not taking the title for granted, will be driving his last race for Renault. Next year he will move to the McLaren team.

``I think it makes this a very special weekend for me, and gives me extra motivation to do the maximum for all my friends and teammates,'' Alonso said on Renault's Web site.