Zoom Renault look to make best of recent momentum

After recording its first win of the season last time out at Singapore, Renault heads to Fuji Speedway for the 16th round of the championship, the Japanese Grand Prix. Fernando Alonso and Nelson Piquet look ahead to the race weekend.

Fernando, in Singapore you took your first win of the season and the team’s first victory in two years. How did it feel?
FA: "I was extremely happy. We had a difficult start to the season and so to be fighting for the win a few months later seemed unbelievable, but the team didn’t give up and we never lowered our aims. From the first practice session in Singapore, we were on the pace; the car was working well, and we had high hopes for the weekend. Qualifying was a big disappointment, but in the race our luck changed and we were able to take advantage of the situation. It was an amazing feeling and I want to thank all the members of the team once again for their efforts over the last few months because it’s thanks for them that this victory was possible."

Do you think that the R28 can be as competitive in Fuji or was the performance down to the characteristics of the circuit in Singapore?
FA: "It’s true that a street circuit is always unusual and your level of performance depends on the competitiveness of your car, the set-up and your ability to take risks. We worked hard to develop some new parts for Singapore, but also for the final three races of the season so I think that we can be on the pace in Fuji. We will give our maximum to try and make that the case and to benefit from the free practice sessions on Friday as much as possible."

What are the main things you will have to keep an eye on in terms of set-up?
FA: "The circuit has a very long straight and so aero settings will once again be crucial. There are also several medium and low speed corners and the last few turns in particular are taken in second gear. So the team will have to work hard to determine the level of downforce and the mechanical grip which will be especially important in the slow sections. We will be running a similar programme to that which we run at other tracks that we visit once a year.

What are your ambitions for the Japanese Grand Prix?
FA: "After our victory in Singapore, the whole team is determined to have those feelings again as soon as possible. We must remain focussed and try to repeat our level of performance from Singapore to fight at the front. However, I remain realistic as it will be difficult to race the Ferraris and McLarens, but we will give our maximum to score as many points as possible because the fight for fourth in the championship remains very close."