We can realistically aim for points - Alonso
Only two weeks after his home race at Barcelona, Renault F1 Team driver Fernando Alonso is travelling to the famous Monaco street circuit. The Spaniard hopes to qualify in the top ten at Monte Carlo to be able to finish in the points on Sunday.
"Yes, racing at home is always a big motivation and although we couldn’t fight for the podium, we got the maximum from the car and I was pleased to finish fifth. I was lucky towards the end of the race when Felipe [Massa] slowed, but it was exciting to gain an extra point on the final lap. We still need to take a big step forward with the car to get to the front, but we are making progress at each race and we have scored some more important points."
Monaco is a circuit where you’ve won twice. Tell us about the challenge of racing there..."It’s one of my favourite races of the year and I have happy memories from winning there in 2006 and 2007. It’s definitely the race that all the drivers want to win. The first lap of free practice on Thursday is always a great feeling and you have to readjust and get used to racing on such narrow streets with the barriers all around you. Overtaking is difficult and it’s a mentally demanding race as there’s not a moment to relax. But above all, Monaco is about the show for the fans and spectators who can get really close to the cars."
How are you approaching this weekend?"The most important thing is to qualify as near to the front of the grid as possible because doing well in Monaco is all about having track position. We therefore need to make sure we find clear space on the track in qualifying so we don’t get caught out by the traffic. All the teams bring new packages to Monaco as the track is so unusual and we will use a special set-up to cope with the bumps and tight corners. In terms of a result, I think we can realistically hope to qualify in the top ten and aim for points in the race."
