We can race in Brazil free from pressure - Alonso
The ING Renault F1 Team prepares for the final round of the 2008 Formula 1 World Championship: the Brazilian Grand Prix in Sao Paulo. Fernando Alonso, who collected two victories for Renault this season, feels free from pressure as he travels to Brazil.
"Yes, absolutely. Our victories in Singapore and Fuji were a wonderful surprise and our fourth place in China confirmed our return to form. We were clearly the third strongest team and we had similar race pace to the Ferraris, which is really satisfying for everybody in the team. We’ve all worked really hard and so it’s a nice reward, especially as we have now confirmed our fourth place in the championship, which was the objective we set ourselves in the middle of the season. So it’s mission accomplished and we can now approach the Brazilian Grand Prix calmly and aim to have another strong weekend."
You obviously have some very fond memories of racing in Brazil..."Yes, it was at Interlagos that I won my two world titles with Renault in 2005 and 2006 and so it always feels great to come back here. This year we have already achieved our objective to end the season fourth in the constructors’ championship with the third quickest car so we can therefore approach this race with less pressure and be more relaxed, which may help us take advantage of the situation. After Singapore and Fuji, the team now believes that anything is possible."
It will be a home Grand Prix for your team-mate so there should be plenty of support for Renault..."Yes, I’m happy for Nelson because it’s a special feeling to drive at home in front of your fans and I am sure this will give him some extra motivation. Usually the atmosphere in Brazil is extraordinary: the fans are really passionate about the sport and it’s a special place for Formula 1. So it should be a great weekend."
How would you describe the Interlagos track?"It’s an interesting circuit which has some different challenges and requires a compromise with the car set-up. That’s because the track is anti-clockwise, the surface is very bumpy and there is a mix of corners, as well as a long straight. You therefore need a car with an efficient aero package and good mechanical grip to set a competitive lap-time."
