Portimao, Portugal  - If his optimism and his coolness are anything to go by, Fernando Alonso has half a Formula 1 title - the third of his personal count - in his pocket already, even before the 2009 season starts on March 29 in Australia.

In southern Portugal, where the year's first joint tests were being held until Thursday, only one word could take away the Spaniard's smile: Ferrari.

"I've been having to answer that question for five years," he complained at a press conference in the brand new Portimao circuit, when asked by a journalist.

Portimao, Portugal  - Formula 1 is going through an unprecedented crisis and is fighting "to survive," in the eyes of key player Flavio Briatore, managing director of the Renault team.

"This is a crucial moment for Formula 1," Briatore warned Monday in the Portimao circuit in southern Portugal.

Following the first day of joint tests, he stressed he wants "to secure the chance to survive the crisis and improve business" in the main category of world motorsport.

Portimao, Portugal  - The Formula 1 circus, which on this crisis year is set to cut its spending by some 30 per cent at the request of the FIA, launched the first joint tests Monday in Portimao, Portugal with a show that was in accordance with the new era: grey, lacklustre and somewhat disappointing.

"It is not at all sexy," an Italian journalist said of the new weapon in the hands of double world champion Fernando Alonso.

Lisbon - Spain and Portugal agreed Monday to make a joint bid to host the 2018 football World Cup.

A deal was reached in Lisbon by Spanish football federation president Angel Maria Villar and Portuguese counterpart Gilberto Madail, Portugal's news agency Lusa reported.

Spain hosted the 1982 World Cup and the European Championship in 1964, while Portugal were hosts of the 2004 European Championships, beating a bid from Spain.

Portimao, Portugal - Renault and Williams unveiled their cars for 2009 Formula