18/04/2006
NEWS STORY
Fernando, it's been a great start to the season…
Fernando Alonso: Yes, a fantastic start. The R26 performed really well, we had no mechanical problems, and it is always important to score a lot of points at the start of the year. We know Renault is the team to beat at the moment, the reference. I am really happy with our position, and very confident for the coming races.
So where has the advantage come from?
FA: The package altogether is competitive. There are no particular problems with the car, you can feel everything works well together. The driveability of car will probably be the strongest point of the season, and fingers crossed we can finish all the races with no reliability problems.
You said in March that there were four teams fighting at the top – is that still the case?
FA: Yes, we have very strong opposition this year. Ferrari, McLaren and Honda are all good enough to win races, and we need to work hard if we want to beat them.
What will be the key factor in the coming races?
FA: The development of the cars. We are in a strong situation, and we know that the team that develops most, with a strong finish to the year, will probably be champions. The drivers have a role too, because we need to tell the engineers where the car has to improve, which is what we are doing at the moment.
Tell us about Imola – it was a famous win for you in 2005…
FA: It became maybe the most talked-about win of my career so far I think. For me, it was a win like the others – a special achievement. But when you are fighting with Michael, then I think the media talk about it in a special way, and make it something bigger. I enjoyed the final laps of the race last year, and it was an important race to win. But if I can do it again this year, on my own, a long way in front, then that's even better!
It's a tough track though…
FA: It is very difficult for the drivers, with the chicanes and the kerbs, and the car bumping over them. That makes it hard for us to take the same line twice in any corner, and every lap you have to feel things a little bit differently. It is tough physically, but also for the car because there is a lot of stress over the kerbs. This is a hard race to finish.
You have said Renault is the team to beat. Who will be the competition?
FA: Ferrari and McLaren will be our main opponents. Ferrari dropped down in the last two races, but I think they will be back. Their tyres work well at this circuit, and it is their home Grand Prix, so I expect them to be extremely competitive.
You arrive in Imola second in the championship. You must be feeling optimistic?
Giancarlo Fisichella: For sure! It is nice to be racing back in Europe, and to be in my home country as well, with all the Italian fans. Physically, I am fitter than ever before, and feeling really good at the moment. And compared to last year, I am in a much better position in the championship: more points, and closer to the lead. So yes, things are looking very good right now.
Looking back at the last race, what is your assessment?
GF: It was a difficult afternoon for all the drivers I think – and an exciting race for the spectators! I had some problems during the race, but managed to overcome them and score some good points. I have tested two times since then, we have worked through some answers to those problems, and the new B spec engine feels like a good step in performance. We are moving forward all the time.
What challenges will the circuit bring?
GF: You need to be good in every area to be quick there, you must have a complete car. The drivers need to have confidence in the handling and the reactions, the right tyres and a strong engine. We have a mix of slow and fast corners, plus of course you need to attack the kerbs very aggressively – and the car needs to cope with that. The R25 was quick there last year, so there's no reason to think the R26 will not be this year.
What are your hopes for the race?
GF: I am going to every race this year looking to score maximum points. I think Renault has an edge at the moment, so we have to aim for the victory at every Grand Prix. I have a fresh engine, and a bit more power from the new specification, so that gives me a fantastic chance for this race. We are not underestimating our rivals, because we know that the level of competition is very close the front. But I believe we have the package to win in Imola.