Alonso thinks he could have done better

Fernando Alonso, the young Spanish driver of the Mild Seven Renault F1 Team, started today's Japanese Grand Prix 16th and was able to finish 3rd. Alonso took off like a mad man and overtook everybody who crossed his trail. Although he put down a wonderful performance, Fernando thinks he could have done better.

Interview with Fernando Alonso

Fernando, you said you were going to be more aggressive this weekend. It certainly turned out that way!
"Yes, it’s true… Of course, I didn’t have to worry about the drivers’ championship and I wanted to attack to the maximum. I did a lot of overtaking but unfortunately, Michael Schumacher and Kimi got past me at the first stops. I had to battle through a lot of traffic, refuel again, and then do it all over again. The way the race unfolded didn’t really work out for us, unfortunately."

What happened with Klien?
"I didn’t really understand it. I overtook him by cutting the chicane, so I slowed down and let him back past. Then I overtook again on the straight. I was 7 seconds up the road when the FIA asked me to slow down and give the position back again. I was surprised, but had to do it."

Did you enjoy the battle with Michael?
"A lot! It was really nice. Through the whole championship, I have only done two or three overtaking manoeuvres but today, I did about 14! The one on Michael was really good. I was quicker on the straight, and he closed the door by moving to the left on the run into the 130R corner. I was on the outside, flat out, and got past him. It was the same thing with Mark Webber: I knew I couldn’t get him on the outside, so I waited for him to make a mistake and attacked. I had to put my wheels on the grass, but it worked. It was a risk, but I said earlier this weekend that I can enjoy myself now!"