03/10/2005
NEWS STORY
Fernando, looking at the Japanese Grand Prix – is it just another race, or the start of a new era for you?
Fernando Alonso: Both, I think. I expect there will be a lot of attention, a lot of questions, a lot of cameras when we get there. But when I get in the car, then I will be working like normal. We have a race to do, and another championship to win. I believe the truth is that we have been the best in this 2005 season, and I will be working at full power now, with Fisi, to win the constructors' title too. I think we can do it.
Do you enjoy Suzuka?
FA: Oh yes, I always enjoy Japan. It is very technical and complex, and all the drivers feel very good there – there are lots of high speed corners, and that is a big challenge. It is very complicated for the engineers as well, and getting the set-up right is a good challenge for them. Plus we always enjoy the weekend because there are so many fans there supporting F1, which means we have a great atmosphere.
There is always the risk of bad weather – last year, we had a typhoon…!
FA: That's not a problem. We saw already in Spa that the tyres are fantastic this year, and we managed the whole race there with the same type of tyre. It started wet, it was dry at the end, and the tyres were working well. Bad weather could be a key part of the weekend, but with Michelin tyres, we are ready for any challenge. They have done a fantastic job this year.
Fisico, how did things go for you in Brazil?
Giancarlo Fisichella: Obviously, it was a great weekend for the team, with Fernando's win: I helped him celebrate late into the night! But from my point of view, it was a tough afternoon on Sunday. The car had oversteer from the start, and it was hard work with that and the tyres to get a good pace all the way through the race. In the end, I think the best I could have finished was fourth, so we only lost one point, but it definitely wasn't as good as I had hoped on Saturday night.
So what about Japan – it is a big battle for the constructors' title…
GF: Yes, it will be a big fight. Japan is another really great circuit, with a very challenging first sector and lots of long left-hand corners that can be hard for the neck. You need a good engine because there are a few long flat out sections, good downforce and good traction to get speed out of the last corner and over the start-finish line.
Will you enjoy the weekend?
GF: For sure – we are not at McLaren's level in terms of pure speed, but we are closer. I have a great feeling at this circuit, because it is one of my favourite tracks, and the fans are fantastic. I have a fan club in Japan, who I will be seeing on Friday night, and that adds something special to the weekend as well. I am really looking forward to racing in Suzuka.