Renault drivers agitated for Brazilian race

Fernando Alonso may be only six points away from winning the world championship, but he will be attacking hard this weekend in Brazil.Giancarlo Fisichella, Alonso's team mate at Renault, has always been lucky on the Interlagos venue and he is hoping to repeat the experience this weekend.

Interview with Fernando Alonso Fernando, you need just six points to win the world championship. Are you nervous, so close to achieving your dream?
"No, I’m not. For sure, I am quite close now to the championship, but I approach this race like any other. We have been quick in Brazil in recent years, and now our car is even stronger in every area. So I am looking forward to the race."

Is it important to you that you could become the youngest driver to win the championship?
"To become world champion is the maximum for a driver, so I am happy and proud to have the possibility while I am so young. But being the youngest is not what motivates me. The maximum for a sportsman is to be the best in his championship, and to be the best in Formula 1 is the ultimate for any racing driver."

Finally, what is your feeling ahead of the race in Brazil?
"As always, I go there trying to do the maximum. What’s the point of going to a race and only aiming for a podium? You can’t do that, you have to want to be the best, to attack. So that’s what I am going to Brazil to do. We need to have a smooth weekend, no problems, and hopefully we will get the result we want."

Interview with Giancarlo Fisichella Giancarlo, how are you feeling after what was a big accident in Spa?
"I am fine. I was a bit sore the next day, but I tested last week in Silverstone and felt really good. It was disappointing to retire in Spa, because my car was competitive and with Montoya retiring, it could have been a good opportunity for us to score some points. But the car did a great job protecting me, and now I can’t wait to get to Sao Paulo."

The team is still fighting for both championships – what is your role in that?
"I think for Fernando, it should be quite easy now to win the drivers’ championship, but we are still in a big battle with McLaren for the constructors and it is very close. I think they have a stronger car, but the reliability is not so good. So I am really optimistic for the end of the season. I want to win another race, and maybe Brazil will be a good opportunity. We have a new aero package, and a new engine spec as well, so I think we can be a bit more aggressive over there."

What about the circuit in Brazil – is it challenging?
"For sure. I really enjoy racing there actually. Physically, it has always been quite a difficult circuit because it is anti-clockwise, but I think that after racing in Turkey recently, which is another anti-clockwise circuit, it won’t be so bad for us. Even so, it will be tough because it is a short circuit and there are over seventy laps in the race. In terms of driving the track, it used to be quite bumpy but that has been improved a bit now, and there are some really nice corners, like turn 11 which is downhill, accelerating and you need to attack without running wide. It’s a good challenge."

It has also been a successful circuit for you…
"Yes, I have always liked it. Of course, I got my first win there in 2003 with the Jordan, and I finished second with Benetton in 2000. Even in 2001 when we were down on power, I scored a point, so it has always been a nice track for me. And Benetton and Renault were always quick there. So I think we can go to Brazil feeling very optimistic. Maybe we are not as quick as McLaren still, but I definitely think we can be closer than in recent races."