Hungarian GP – After the Rout, Resurrection for Alonso?

Fernando Alonso arrives at the Hungarian Grand Prix with increased motivation because things have changed in the past two weeks…

And for good reason, for the first time this season, Renault made it to the podium in Germany, but it was not the Iberian who was in the spotlight, rather his teammate, Nelson Piquet!

Stung to the quick(!), the 2005 and 2006 world champion finished outside the points after a difficult race. It’s time for revenge on a circuit he knows well and where Alonso has fond memories.

Fernando, the team secured its first podium in Germany. You, on the other hand, lacked success and finished out of the points…

« Yes, I had a difficult race, I had prepared for it because I knew I would struggle to maintain the pace during the race that I had shown in qualifying on Saturday. It is a disappointing result for me, but with Nelson’s podium, the team has gained a lot of points and that is important for the championship! For my teammate, it was important to achieve a solid result. It’s positive for the team, it boosts everyone’s morale for tackling the second half of the championship!

We are this time in Budapest, a circuit that has been successful for you in the past and where you certainly have good memories?

« Yes, I won my first F1 race on this circuit (2003 with Renault F1 Team), it’s a track where I have always performed well, so I am happy to be here again this year and I am determined to bounce back after my last result in Germany.

This is generally a well-liked Grand Prix. Is there a special atmosphere here, in your opinion?

« I don’t really know. For me, it’s certain, it’s a special event, rich in memories, which usually takes place around the same time as my birthday. It’s true, there are always many spectators, the people are very kind and give us a warm welcome… That’s probably why the paddock enjoys coming back here to Budapest every year.

Regarding the circuit, what are its specifics?

« It is a rather selective track, and the very high temperatures often present here complicate matters further, especially for the drivers and the mechanics. To be fast here, you mainly need very high aerodynamic downforce, good grip, and good traction to be efficient when exiting slow corners. We will therefore focus on working on these different parameters from the start of the practice sessions on Friday, based on the data recorded last week in Jerez. »

According to a press release from Renault F1 Team