By role
July 29 2003

Fernando Alonso has set an important goal for next weekend's German GP. The Spaniard thinks that the Renault R23 can get him to the podium. Alonso's last visit to the podium was at his home GP in early May and he is looking forward to celebrate again. However, last time Alonso was at Hockenheim it was a totally different circuit as the track was modified for the Geman GP of 2002. This will mean that most of his rivals have had much experience on the track that him.

Alonso, however, does not think it will be a disadvantage his lack of knowledge of the modifications and that he will be able to adapt quick to the changes:

" To get used to it (the new Hockenheim)perfectly, I think it will probably take me six or seven laps: I don’t think it will be a disadvantage, especially as I have the extra time on Friday. I am not worried about it." He said.

Pat Symonds, Executive Director of Engineering, also believes that Alosno will have little trouble learning the circuit fast:

"Fernando won’t be at any disadvantage. A good racing driver generally learns 98% of a circuit within 10 laps. The last couple of percent can take years, but he can get very close in no time at all. Fernando is the sort of driver who learns fast: we saw in testing last year that he was up to speed straight away at circuits he did not know, and that is a sign of his natural talent. By the end of Friday morning, if not well before, he will be right on the pace." Symonds said.

Last Grand Prix at Silverstone was a quite entertaining one with lots of overtaking and Alonso expects a similar show in Germany:

"Silverstone was entertaining for the people who came to watch, and it is always good to put on a bit of a show: the spectators enjoy it, and so do the drivers. Things are very competitive at the front, but each team seems to be strong in different areas: I think we might well see a similar kind of race at Hockenheim." He added.

Temperatures are usually high and that should benefit the cars who use the Michelin tyres. With good tyres, a new upgrade on the engine and the competitiveness of the Renault chassis Alonso thinks their aim should be the podium for this race:

"In theory, higher temperatures are better for our tyres, and in hot conditions like Barcelona and Malaysia, the car has worked very well. Our new aero package at Silverstone saw us gain some competitiveness, and we should have also some new parts for the engine in Germany. I think we have to be looking to finish on the podium." He concluded.