The team heads to Japan in high spirits - Bell

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F1 Grand Prix, GP Japan, Circuit Suzukajp

After a couple of very difficult weeks for the Renault F1 Team, the French outfit can head to Japan in high spirits thanks to the podium place of Fernando Alonso at the Singapore Marina Bay Street Circuit last Sunday.

Bob, what does the podium in Singapore mean for the team ahead of this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix?

"This result obviously lifts the spirits of the whole team enormously and will be fresh in everyone's mind as we have back-to-back races this weekend. The team will therefore arrive in Japan feeling very upbeat. The race in Japan might not be the easiest for us, but I think the level of motivation will be much higher."

Romain had a tough weekend in Singapore – can he bounce back in Japan?

"I have no doubt that he can bounce back: he is young, very confident and has a lot of ability. The problems he had in Singapore were related to his brakes so we need to make sure that we do all we can in Suzuka to make sure he has no repeat of this. However, we should remember that Suzuka is a very different circuit and I think it will be a lot easier for him there."

Talk us through the technical challenge of this classic circuit...

"It's an interesting venue and it's quite challenging for an older circuit. It requires a good balance and a medium to high downforce set-up, but braking performance is less important there, which will assist with the problems Romain had. It has some corners that are very challenging for the drivers that require a lot of commitment and are rewarding to drive. Overall, it's a circuit were we have done well in the past and Fernando particularly likes Suzuka so he will relish the challenge this weekend."