24/05/2006
NEWS STORY
The World Champ is expecting a busy afternoon on Saturday in qualifying – but he's not losing sight of the real prize on Sunday…
Fernando, what did you do after your win in Spain? Were you celebrating?
Fernando Alonso: Well, 148 laps at Paul Ricard on Tuesday, then 132 the next day! It was, um, a working party!
Arriving in Monaco, this is a circuit you have never won at…
FA: Yes, I have never been on the podium here. 4th last year was my best result, so I want to be at least on the podium to have a trophy from Monaco.
Would it mean more to win here?
FA: I think so. There are three or four circuits a year, places like Monaco, Indy or Barcelona for me, which are the big names of the season: they have history in motor racing. So a win is extra special there. But if you can't, then you can't go crazy: you have to take points for the championship…
It seems that people thing qualifying could be an obstacle this weekend…
FA: For sure. We know it is a long championship, and there some places where you can have difficulties. This weekend is definitely one of them.
Why?
FA: Traffic. I think there will be a lot in qually, and it will be interesting to watch – but stressful to drive. I think we have to be patient, because 22 cars in 3km at the same time, it is impossible for it to be clear. So you need to wait, do more laps than normal, and have a bit of luck. But I think problems are inevitable: I think we will have some fights in the press at the end of qualifying!
Tyres have had a lot of attention recently. Will it be the same again?
FA: I think so. We always try to bring the softest tyres possible, and sometimes, you can go over the limit. We tested at Ricard last week, but the race weekend is always different. And we need to see how the Michelin compares with the competitors over the weekend…
Finally, what can the race bring?
FA: Monaco always surprises, and there is always a team in front of the top ones. Last year it was Williams, and them, or Red Bull or BMW could do it this year. Hopefully, the surprises will happen behind us though, and we can race from the front rows. But we need to keep an eye on Ferrari. I think they will be the big rivals…