The car will be competitive - Alonso
Fernando Alonso, the Spanish Renault F1 Team driver, is optimistic of a strong race ahead of this weekend’s European Grand Prix at the Nürburgring. The World Champion won the race last season and hopes to repeat that result.
"The Renault can be competitive again at this track. We are in a good moment right now – we tested last week with good results, so we are ready for the Nürburgring."
Of course, you won here in 2005…"Yes, it’s a good memory. We were very quick, Kimi too, and I won in the last lap. It was a nice race!"
What about the competition this weekend?"I think it will be a close battle with the usual teams – Renault, then Ferrari, McLaren and Honda. The competition is very tough at the moment, but we seem to deal with it, and get the results on Sunday afternoon. We hope to do the same here."
Indeed, you have not qualified better than 3rd this year, but it seems to come good on Sunday afternoon. Is that a risky strategy?"I think our strategies are playing well for us, and bringing a lot of points on Sunday afternoon. We are doing a good job, and I am pushing to the maximum at every moment, and it comes to me on Sunday afternoon. Perhaps there are some risks, but that is true with everything."
What about Ferrari – will they be at the same level as in Imola?"Honestly, that is the question everybody has at the moment I think. Last year, they were slow all season and quick in Imola. Maybe it will be the same this year, but we have to wait and see this weekend."
Finally, you will run with a new engine specification. Will it be a benefit?"It is not a night and day difference, but we have more horsepower, more revs and the driveability is improved, which is always a priority at Renault. It is good to have this step, because our rivals are coming, and at both the next circuits, we need good power. So it is good news to have this new engine."
So, you are going for the win on Sunday?"The car is competitive, I am looking forward to driving here because I like the circuit. Now, we need to do the job and be ready for Sunday"
Source Renaultf1
