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Fernando Alonso Q & A
By Renault F1 July 31 2008
The ING Renault F1 Team prepares for round eleven of the 2008 Formula 1 World Championship: the Hungarian Grand Prix. Fernando Alonso: “Budapest is a circuit where I have happy memories.”

Fernando, the team scored its first podium in Germany. But you were out of luck in the race and finished outside the points...
Yes, I had a difficult race, but I was prepared for that because I knew it would be difficult to convert the pace I had shown in qualifying into race pace on Sunday. It’s a disappointing result for me, but with the podium for Nelson the team scored lots of points and that’s important for the championship. For my teammate it was important to get a strong result; it’s positive for the team and will help us all attack the second half of the championship.

We are now in Budapest, a circuit where you have had success in the past and some great memories...
That’s right, I won my first Formula 1 race at this circuit with the Renault F1 Team in 2003 and it’s a place were I have always gone well. So I’m happy to go back there again this year and determined to bounce back after my result in Germany.

Is this generally a popular Grand Prix? Do you think there is a special atmosphere?
I don’t know really. For me it certainly is because I have some great memories here and the race usually takes place around the time of my birthday. There are always lots of spectators, the people are very kind, and we always enjoy a warm welcome - that is why the paddock enjoys coming back to Budapest each year.

Can you tell us about the circuit?
It’s quite a demanding track and the temperatures are often quite high for the race, which makes things even more difficult, especially for the drivers and the mechanics. To be quick here you need very high levels of downforce, as well as good grip and traction to get performance out of the low-speed corners. So we will begin working on these things as soon as free practice begins on Friday, building on the information we learnt last week in Jerez.

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