We will try and spring a surprise - Alonso
The ING Renault F1 Team prepares for the sixth round of the 2008 Formula 1 World Championship: the Monaco Grand Prix. Fernando Alonso has won in the Principality for the last two years. Although his R28 isn't as competitive as it should be, Alonso promises a very interesting race.
"I am really happy. In Turkey we showed that the progress we made in Spain was not simply a coincidence. I scored three points, although it’s fair to say that the problem Heikki had at the start of the race helped me. These are three very important points and it’s proof that we are improving and fighting back. There is still a lot to do before we can fight at the front, but we are moving in the right direction and we are more determined than ever to get there."
You have won in Monaco for the last two years. It must be very special to drive in the Principality?"Yes, it is an unusual circuit and I have some good memories there because to win in Monaco is very special for a driver. It’s a race that I enjoy because the atmosphere is unique and driving through the town is very exciting. It’s also a race where you cannot afford to make any mistakes, and this year the race promise to be very interesting."
Do you think that the progress made in the last two races will allow you to do well in Monaco?"We have progressed, but we are still behind Ferrari, McLaren and BMW. Even though Monaco is a circuit where the driver can really make the difference, a good car will always be an advantage and makes things easier. But we will try and spring a surprise and make the most of our opportunities. At the moment we are fighting for seventh place, but, as we saw in Istanbul, it is possible to do better if one of the favourites has a problem. We therefore need to be ready for any chance that comes our way."
What area do you need to concentrate on in order to improve your car?"Monaco is a technical circuit and requires good traction so that you can have a good corner exit. This also makes it easier to defend your position or to overtake a competitor. It’s not the strong point of the R28 at the moment, even though we have improved, and so I think that that is where we will concentrate our efforts when we start practice on Thursday."
