'Nothing has changed' - Alonso
Fernando Alonso became the youngest F1 World Champion ever two weeks ago in Brazil. During these past days, Alonso has been overwelmed by fans, reporters,... The young Spaniard stays unpretentious under all the attention he recieves. Fernando stays focused on the last 2 GP's to help his team win the Constructors' Championship.
Interview with Fernando Alonso
So Fernando, ‘World Champion’. What’s changed for you?
"Honestly? Nothing! I think what we have done this year is a fantastic story, and now we need to keep going in the last races."
Will you be less conservative in the final races?
"In terms of performance it will be similar – you know, when you put the helmet on, and close the visor, you always go for it and push to the maximum. But maybe some parts will be different…"
For example?
"I think I will be harder to overtake! You know, in Brazil, at the start or when Montoya overtook me, that was not the time to take risks. Now, I can afford to…"
What was the most important moment in your year?
"It was all important, but I think really the first races, when I built up a 20 point lead and we then managed the gap in the second half of the year. Australia was a good race – I only finished third, but I was fighting all the way, even with bad luck in qualifying. That was when I knew we had a good chance this year."
Has this season taught you something?
"Yes – that to win, you need a good car! In 2003, I fought with the R23 which was a good car but still missing something, and I won one race. Last year with the R24, it was difficult to drive but I finished 4th. We were missing something, and this year with the car, the team, the whole package, we found it."
What about Japan – can you fight with McLaren?
"We know they are a bit faster, so it will be tough. It is them who have the pressure, though, to finish with both cars and try to win the title. And we will be making sure to keep the pressure on them…"
What about 2006 – can you do it again?
"Well I hope so! When you are fighting for the championship, it is an exciting feeling, you enjoy all the races and have a very high level of motivation. So next year, I hope we can arrive in the final races with some options to fight for the championship. But it is a new challenge, with new rules, so let’s see what happens."
