Maximum concentration - Alonso
The Renault F1 Team’s Spanish ace, Fernando Alonso, talks about his approach to a crucial race… It will not only be the final race for Alonso in a Renault, it will also be the race that will decide the Drivers and Constructors' Championship.
"I don’t know if it is more or less than in 2005, but I can feel the pressure. It’s normal when you have the chance to become champion, and you are close to the dream. And this year, the title has come down to the last race. I want to seize the opportunity. I am at maximum concentration and the team is ready to do it. We are in a good position after Japan, and now we need to finish the job!"
You are fighting for the drivers’ title and the constructors’. Which is more important to you?"I am a driver, so you know my answer! I think all the fans remember who wins the drivers’ title. Not many can say which team won ten or fifteen years ago. When you look at signs by the road here, you see Schumacher against Alonso, not Ferrari against Renault… The constructors’ title is important too, of course, for lots of reasons: commercial exposure, the pit-lane position, the image of the brand etc…"
Will you be trying to avoid any incidents this weekend?"I will try, but it’s hard when everybody is watching so closely! I think we have made good preparations. The team tested at Silverstone with Piquet, and I focused on my training, being careful not to injure myself. I need to stay focused and make no mistakes."
What is your best memory from this season? And the worst?"My best is probably the win in Barcelona, in front of my people. I also enjoyed winning in Monaco, Silverstone and Suzuka, legendary circuits for Formula 1. And the worst? The penalties during the summer in Hungary and Italy."
Giancarlo and you will use different engine specs this weekend. Is there a major difference between them?"Not really. They are very close in performance, less than a tenth a lap difference… We will be trying to get two cars on the podium like in China and Japan."
You are the world champion. Has that helped you in your fight this year?"Yes, in some ways. That helps me to find motivation and manage some situations. I know how to become champion and what you need to do. The experience will help me all through the rest of my career."
Finally, did you enjoy 2005 or 2006 more? Was it better fighting Raikkonen or Schumacher?"They are two very different season. Last year we had a good lead but we could manage it thanks to the mechanical problems for Kimi, whose car was quicker than ours. This season, we knew that we had to concentrate at every moment to beat Ferrari. But I think I preferred the championship in 2005, when the atmosphere was better, more sporting."
Source Renaultf1
