We are optimistic but realistic - Alonso
Fernando Alonso’s usual press meeting took place in the temporary offices at the Gilles Villeneuve circuit, as the rain continued to fall outside. “We have arrived in Canada determined to have a good grand prix, taking the maximum number of points possible to stay in the fight for the championship,” began the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro driver.
“I am very happy to be back racing in Montreal and I hope we can put on a good show for the spectators and most importantly get a good result for the team. We have been working hard over the past couple of weeks to improve the performance of the car," added Alonso. "Here in Canada, you need a specific package to deal with this low downforce circuit with its long straights. We are confident the car will be competitive here, also as the track layout is similar to Australia where the F10 performed really well. Here in Canada we will be tackling the first track of the season that really put the brakes under great strain and here again we need a specific preparation in terms of brake performance and cooling. I believe that from our simulations and brake dyno testing we have done a very good job. Tomorrow we will see if our simulations were correct.”
Ferrari has won here more often than any other team, but the Spaniard did not see this as an extra pressure on the Scuderia. “Every circuit we go to Ferrari has the record of victories, so this pressure and expectation is always with us. Our tifosi are more numerous than for any other team and for us this is a motivation, although we know we have to deliver the result people expect from us.”
With the last race in Turkey a fortnight ago having been a disappointing one for the two F10 drivers, Fernando was asked what the team needs to do to keep its title hopes alive. “We need to focus very well and prepare every weekend as though each race is the final one,” he stated. “We have had some ups and downs so far and there will be more. The important thing is that we must not get too excited when we do well or too down when we don’t. We need to be consistent in what is a very long championship, where we are fighting hard with the other guys at the top of the points table. I expect our performance to get better and better as this team has a reputation for developing its car quickly and I believe we will be in the fight all the way to the final round in Abu Dhabi. We need to take every opportunity that comes our way and the whole team is focussed on the goal of being there at the end of the season in November. Overall, we are optimistic, but we are also realistic and know we have to improve. This is a very interesting season.”
Source: Ferrari
