By role
April 29 2004

Spanish driver Fernando Alonso had a press conference yesterday at the Spanish offices of his personal sponsor Lease Plan. Alonso maintains a relationship with European’s largest leasing company since 1999. . Last week Lease Plan was bought for 2.000 Million Euros to car giant Volkswagen group. Alonso is thinking 100% on his home Grand Prix that will take place in less than 10 days. The Spaniard knows the track will be packed with Spanish fans waiting to see the same Alonso that pushed hard Michael Schumacher last year to finish 2nd.

Alonso, however, is also aware that the competition this year is strong and that he will have to fight hard to repeat his performance:

“We all know the track because we test lots in there. The key will be the work at Friday to be competitive on Saturday and Sunday.” He said. “There will be tracks where last year we did well and fans will have the expectations high”

However, there are aspects of his car that worry Alonso and hopes they can sort out as soon as possible:

“The car grip has to improve. This year we have seen some difficulties that do not allow us to fight Ferrari or BAR-Honda on the qualifying or the race, and until we are able to improve those problems the podium chances are harder.” The Spaniard said. “We are quite constant on the races, but in the one lap there other cars faster than us that give us serious trouble. We have to work hard for the qualifying.”

Renault plans to make several developments during the year, mainly in the engine:

“We started with a very basic engine, so the highest number of improvements will come from the engine side, but also in aero, bumpers. Step by step the car will improve and we hope to remain competitive.”

Alonso is aware that the second position on the Constructor’s Championship will be tough to maintain:

“We are in a very thin line, second but only 4 points ahead of the 4th place. There is one less enemy, Mclaren. But we have a stronger one in BAR. Mclaren will be competitive again, though as longer it takes the better so we can build a margin.” He concluded.