Site logo

Italy GP: Thursday Press Conference

NEWS STORY
07/09/2006

Tonio, your feelings about this circuit, your debut in the Italian Grand Prix this weekend.
Tonio Liuzzi: Yes, of course, Monza gives everybody good feelings because it's the fastest circuit in the championship so that's always awesome. It's the only one that's left with this kind of top speed and it's amazing. Last week we had a test and it was really great, especially for us Italians, I think it's a special feeling because of the atmosphere, the crowd, and it's a shame that there's this rumour that from next year that maybe or maybe not (the race will be held here)… we still don't know, it's a big worry for us because we love Monza. I especially love Monza and to make a debut here in my first Formula One Grand Prix - I'm really looking forward to it.

How's the V10 going to do in comparison to the V8s?
TL: In testing, it was fine. For sure, we still have to work hard because we are still a bit far away from the leaders, we are still struggling a little bit in top speed but we are working on it. We are looking forward to next season but at the moment we are trying to give our best.

So nothing special this weekend?
TL: We will see tomorrow.

Jarno, the reliability has improved over the last few races but it seems you just need to climb up the order a little bit.
Jarno Trulli: Yeah, definitely. I believe that Toyota is really bouncing back, especially from the beginning of the season up to now, we've made a huge improvement. Obviously the reliability sometimes didn't play on our side, also luck, but in the end, I must praise everybody in the team because they have reacted pretty well from the beginning and they are still pushing and carrying on the development of the car and we are looking stronger. Obviously the time you lose at the beginning is not easy to recover, but nevertheless, I believe the car is getting stronger and stronger and we are always very competitive during the Grand Prix weekend, being always in the top six. The last race wasn't a great race for me, a bit of bad luck but also I have to admit that my tyre choice wasn't great.

You've been fourth here and fifth from fifth on the grid last year. Is this circuit a good one for you?
JT: So far it's always been a circuit where I was very very competitive so I expect another strong weekend but you never know. Every race has different history so we have to go out and race and see what happens during the weekend. Last week we had quite a good promising test in preparation for this Grand Prix. Obviously the race weekend is different, so I just hope that all our choices are right for this weekend.

Giancarlo, you also have a good record here: your best qualifying is third on the grid, your best finish is third as well. You've usually finished here, so what do you feel about Monza?
Giancarlo Fisichella: Yeah, Monza is my home Grand Prix so it's a big pleasure for me to race in my country and there are lots of fans looking forward to it. Last year I did my best result in Monza, third, after 17 years… the last Italian driver who got on the podium was Michele Alboreto 17 years ago, and I think the last Italian winner was I don't know who, forty years ago! So obviously the target is to get on the podium again, but the aim is to win the race.

And what chances do you feel, after testing last week?
GF: I think we've got a good chance; the package was working pretty well. As in the last few races, we are quite competitive with Ferrari, so it's going to be quite tough.

Since then there's been the announcement of the 2007 Renault line-up with yourself and Heikki. We'll come to him in a moment, but do you feel it puts you under quite a lot of pressure next year?
GF: I'm happy about Heikki. He's a nice guy, he's a good driver and I'm sure it's going to be a good strong team next year. It's going to be a tough season, obviously, but I'm looking forward to it, but I'm still concentrated on the end of this season.

But do you feel under pressure for next year?
GF: Yes, a bit, a bit, yes, but I like it when I am under pressure.

Heikki, some people have been saying that you're stepping straight into Alonso's shoes, that's pretty heavy for you, isn't it?
Heikki Kovalainen: Some people might say that. Obviously everybody's got their own opinions but Fernando also started when he was very young, but I have all the confidence in me, and I also have confidence in the team. They will guide me. I am quite confident that we can repeat the success they've had before.

It's surely quite a task being thrown into a team that is obviously right up at the top. They're going to be expecting major results.
HK: Yes, of course, the expectations are going to be very high, but for me, I will take it calmly and easier at the beginning, of course. The Melbourne race next year is going to be difficult for me but I will try to finish the first race, that's going to be the target, and hopefully score some points and then we can improve from there and like I said, I have all the confidence in the team and I feel that I've already done a good job with the team this year, so the team also knows what I can do and therefore they already look forward to a successful season next year.

LATEST NEWS

more news >

RELATED ARTICLES

LATEST IMAGES

galleries >

  • Pitpass.com latest F1/Formula 1 images
  • Pitpass.com latest F1/Formula 1 images
  • Pitpass.com latest F1/Formula 1 images
  • Pitpass.com latest F1/Formula 1 images
  • Pitpass.com latest F1/Formula 1 images
  • Pitpass.com latest F1/Formula 1 images
  • Pitpass.com latest F1/Formula 1 images
  • Pitpass.com latest F1/Formula 1 images
  • Pitpass.com latest F1/Formula 1 images
  • Pitpass.com latest F1/Formula 1 images
  • Pitpass.com latest F1/Formula 1 images
  • Pitpass.com latest F1/Formula 1 images
  • Pitpass.com latest F1/Formula 1 images
  • Pitpass.com latest F1/Formula 1 images
  • Pitpass.com latest F1/Formula 1 images
  • Pitpass.com latest F1/Formula 1 images
  • Pitpass.com latest F1/Formula 1 images
  • Pitpass.com latest F1/Formula 1 images
  • Pitpass.com latest F1/Formula 1 images
  • Pitpass.com latest F1/Formula 1 images

POST A COMMENT

or Register for a Pitpass ID to have your say

Please note that all posts are reactively moderated and must adhere to the site's posting rules and etiquette.

Post your comment

READERS COMMENTS

 

No comments posted as yet, would you like to be the first to have your say?

Share this page

X

Copyright © Pitpass 2002 - 2024. All rights reserved.

about us  |  advertise  |  contact  |  privacy & security  |  rss  |  terms