The ING Renault F1 Team prepares for the sixth round of the 2008 Formula 1 World Championship: the Monaco Grand Prix.

Fernando, in Turkey you confirmed the progress shown at the Spanish Grand Prix. What is your frame of mind as we approach Monaco?
Fernando Alonso: I am really happy. In Turkey we showed that the progress we made in Spain was not simply a coincidence. I scored three points, although it's fair to say that the problem Heikki had at the start of the race helped me. These are three very important points and it's proof that we are improving and fighting back. There is still a lot to do before we can fight at the front, but we are moving in the right direction and we are more determined than ever to get there.

You have won in Monaco for the last two years. It must be very special to drive in the Principality?
FA: Yes, it is an unusual circuit and I have some good memories there because to win in Monaco is very special for a driver. It's a race that I enjoy because the atmosphere is unique and driving through the town is very exciting. It's also a race where you cannot afford to make any mistakes, and this year the race promise to be very interesting.

Do you think that the progress made in the last two races will allow you to do well in Monaco?
FA: We have progressed, but we are still behind Ferrari, McLaren and BMW. Even though Monaco is a circuit where the driver can really make the difference, a good car will always be an advantage and makes things easier. But we will try and spring a surprise and make the most of our opportunities. At the moment we are fighting for seventh place, but, as we saw in Istanbul, it is possible to do better if one of the favourites has a problem. We therefore need to be ready for any chance that comes our way.

What area do you need to concentrate on in order to improve your car?
FA: Monaco is a technical circuit and requires good traction so that you can have a good corner exit. This also makes it easier to defend your position or to overtake a competitor. It's not the strong point of the R28 at the moment, even though we have improved, and so I think that that is where we will concentrate our efforts when we start practice on Thursday.

Nelson, you have raced almost a third of the season now. How do you feel and how would you describe your F1 debut so far?
Nelson Piquet: It has not been an easy introduction to Formula 1. I've made a few mistakes, had some bad luck and this is not how I imagined my first five races as a Formula 1 driver. But the important thing is that I have gained some valuable experience, and learnt some lessons, which I hope will allow me to become a stronger driver for the rest of the season.

Monaco is by far the most glamorous venue on the F1 calendar and a very atypical circuit. Do you usually enjoy street circuits?
NP: For sure, although racing on the streets can sometimes be a bit of a lottery. Qualifying is always important, but in Monaco it will be even more so because the streets are so narrow and it is almost impossible to overtake. Then in the race you need to have a good strategy and hope that you don't get stuck in traffic. And of course, like any street circuit, you have to be totally consistent because the walls are so close that any mistakes will be heavily punished.

Is it a special feeling for you to race here as you lived very near Monaco when you were young?
NP: The atmosphere in Monaco is incredible and as I lived there when I was younger I know all about that. It will be special to go back there as a Formula 1 driver, although it does not feel like a home Grand Prix. I've raced there in GP2 already, and so I know my way around the track, but it will certainly be different in a Formula 1 car and that is something I am looking forward to.

Considering the recent progress the team has made since Barcelona, what can you expect from the Monaco GP?
NP: How will you approach this race? I will approach the race in my usual way by trying to do the best job I can for the team. It would be great if we can score some points and that will be my goal, so I will need to qualify well, hopefully in the top ten, and then try and have a consistent race.