Try to repeat the success of last year - Alonso
In the days building up to the home race of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Team, we caught up with double World Champion Fernando Alonso to discuss the 2007 Santander British Grand Prix. In 2006, Alonso won at Silverstone and the Spaniard hopes to repeat that result.
“I have great memories, because it was the first time I had a win at Silverstone. I enjoyed the race last year and it will be one of the greatest victories of my career for sure.”
What are your targets for the event this year?“To try to repeat the success of last year and to win the race with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes. I hope to have a good weekend and do my best with the team for all the fans. Also there will be a lot of people from Woking and Brixworth there so I want to put on a good show for all of them.”
Do you enjoy racing on the Silverstone circuit?“I enjoy racing everywhere, Silverstone is very important for Formula 1 because a lot of the teams are from England and it is like a home Grand Prix for everybody. Because of this, winning at Silverstone is something special, but in terms of driving and enjoying the circuit, I enjoy all of them.”
Is there a particular section that is your favourite?“I like the first sector, it is very quick with a great combination of high speed corners and is very, very challenging. It is great fun to drive through as you really get to push the car to the limit.”
Are the characteristics of the MP4-22 suited to the Silverstone circuit?“I think so, we have a very strong car and we have been competitive everywhere. At Silverstone I think it will be the same, we have a good car, we have developed the aerodynamics, which at Silverstone are very key for performance through all these high speed corners.”
You tested at Silverstone recently, did you find any major differences this season driving the track on Bridgestone Potenzas?“Not much, there is not a big difference compared to last year. I think everything will be quite similar. The test was dominated by the rain so there was not the opportunity to make a direct comparison.”
How do the British fans react to you?“They are always great, they are very respectful and they understand Formula 1. The sport was born in England, so they are very enthusiastic.”
The race is a home event for the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team, does that give it more importance to you?“Yes of course, because you want to do well for everyone in the team. It means such a lot for the guys who are based both in Woking and Brixworth to be at the track and to see one of their cars winning so you of course push hard.”
Source McLaren
