"We need heroes," says F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali as he insists that "with the right car" Fernando Alonso is still "very strong".

One of the sport's true characters, Alonso had previously hinted that retirement - at least from F1 - was on his mind, but that was based on his hopes for a strong season with Aston Martin under the new rules.

Should the team prove not quite so successful the Spaniard admitted that he would be keen to stay on and help develop the car, but surely nothing prepared him for the nightmare he is currently enduring with the Silverstone-based team and its Japanese engine partner.

Heading into the Barcelona weekend he warned that this would probably be his last race at the Spanish track, but since then he has been linked with shock move back to Enstone.

Aware that the sport needs all the controversial characters (and racers) it can get, Domenicali, who worked with the Spaniard at Ferrari, is urging him to think again.

"I suffer a lot for Alonso, because I have a lot of respect for him and I know he's fantastic," the Italian tells AS. "But I know that he is a resilient person," he adds. "He will have the opportunity, I hope, if they give him a good car to show the talent he has.

"His mentality is one of fearless commitment, at all levels," he continues. "He needs the right project. I hope he will be here and not just for a year, for a long time.

"It's a fact that we need heroes," he insists. "That's why I expect Fernando to stay for a long time, with the right car he's still very strong."

Asked how the sport would be impacted should the Spaniard opt to hang up his helmet, Domenicali replies: "It's not the time to talk about that because I want to see him here for a long time."

In recent weeks, 41-year-old Lewis Hamilton has proved that the 'old dogs' still have life in them, and while Alonso is 44 (45 next month), only a couple of years back - when he was 41 - the Spaniard finished fourth in the championship.

Make no mistake however, Domenicali isn't looking at this from a sentimental point of view, he knows that Alonso is good box office, and an endorsement like this, especially with Flav pulling the strings at Alpine, will only help boost the Spaniard's worth.