LONDON, Oct 31 - Double world champion Fernando Alonso has said farewell to his Renault Formula One team after visiting their Viry-Chatillon engine factory in France.

Spain's Formula One champion Fernando Alonso waves from a balcony to a crowd of thousands in Oviedo, northern Spain, October 29, 2006. [Reuters]

"Thanks to you, I have had an amazing engine," Renault's Web site quoted the Spaniard telling some 250 employees at the factory near Paris.

"The V10 last year and the V8 this year were fantastic. One failure in two years, this year in Monza, it is amazing -- and almost funny when you look back at it."

Alonso, 25, won his second championship in Brazil this month. He is leaving Renault to join Mercedes-powered McLaren next season.

Last week he visited the team's Enstone factory in central England on a similar farewell visit.

"I am now moving on to another team as you know," he told staff there. "But if I don't have the possibility to win in the future, then I hope you win because you are the best."