Focused on the weekend ahead - Fisichella
The ING Renault F1 Team previews round twelve of the 2007 Formula 1 World Championship, the Turkish Grand Prix at Istanbul Park. The Italian driver of the team, Giancarlo Fisichella, is focused on the weekend ahead after the three-week summer break.
"Yes, it’s true. My race was decided there and then on Saturday afternoon because as everybody knows, it is very hard to overtake in Budapest. What’s more, my strategy had been calculated for a top ten starting spot. But the race is now in the past, and I am focused on the weekend ahead. We will be trying to have a strong race, it’s important for me and for the team’s championship position as well."
After a three-week break, you will be returning to action at Istanbul Park, the newest F1 venue. Do you enjoy this circuit?"Very much. It is a new generation circuit, everything is still very new and it is a properly challenging circuit. I have always raced well here in the past, and I hope it will be the case again this year."
There is also the small matter of the circuit’s “signature corner”, the impressive turn 8…"It is probably the most difficult corner in the whole championship. A long-left hander, with an apex speed of around 250 kph, for about 6.5 seconds. There are some high g-forces to contend with, on your body but especially on the neck, and it can be very difficult, especially at the end of the race. It is demanding for the drivers, but that is the attraction for us!"
On the technical front, what areas will you focus on in order to get the maximum from the car?"Just like at every other circuit, the most important thing is to find a good handling balance. We need to find the correct compromise in terms of downforce, set the suspension quite stiff – and to work hard to get a good level of traction. Our work during practice on Friday will focus on trying out some different set-ups, to give us a competitive car for qualifying and the race on Sunday."
Source Renault
