European GP – A second chance to shine for Alonso…

While transfer rumors for the 2009 season are becoming more and more numerous, Fernando Alonso is currently 100% with Renault. After a good Hungarian Grand Prix and a 4th place, the Spaniard will once again be in front of his home crowd.

Indeed, the European Grand Prix is taking place for the first time in the port city of Valencia on the shores of the Mediterranean. Alonso is therefore delighted to race, for a second time, in front of his fans, aiming to finish the race and score numerous points this time, avoiding a repeat of the experience in Barcelona at the start of the season.

Fernando, in Hungary, Renault scored with both cars and thus moved up in the Constructors’ standings. An encouraging result for the rest of the championship?

We have progressed and we are still progressing, which is very encouraging indeed! In Hungary, we were in the rhythm, the car behaved well, and we showed that we continue to move forward and that we are clearly determined to climb back up in the championship to secure fourth place. I think it was important for the team’s morale to achieve a solid result before the summer break. We come back even more motivated for the rest of the season!

After Barcelona, you are getting ready to race again this weekend in Spain, in Valencia. Is this something important for you?

« Yes, of course! I am very happy to be able to race at home, in Spain, for a second time! It’s such a strong feeling to race in your own country, in front of your compatriots, that I’m glad to experience it twice this year! I had to retire in Barcelona even though we were having a great race, I hope this time I can achieve a solid result, especially since the circuit will be a new discovery for all the drivers on the grid.

It’s as you say, a new circuit. An interesting challenge for you?

« Yes, for me but also for the entire team that has been working for several months already on preparing for this race. I think it allows the drivers to reveal themselves somewhat, to highlight their adaptability, but I don’t really have any illusions, it will be very fast for everyone! We just have to make sure we find our footing and the settings faster than the others to stand out! »

It’s an urban circuit like Monaco, where you are generally very comfortable. Do you think it could also be the case in Valencia?

« It’s true that I love city circuits, it’s a really interesting challenge, the sensation of speed and the risk-taking are very intense feelings at the wheel. I will try to make good progress in fine-tuning my single-seater with my engineers to hope for a strong result, I will do my best for this second Grand Prix in Spain! »

According to a Renault F1 Team press release.