By role
February 21 2004

Spanish driver Fernando Alonso was yesterday in Murcia, Spain signing a new personal agreement with the food company Hero. During the presentation Alonso talked about the 2004 season, his experience and some of his colleagues on the F1 grid. Asked if he would like to team up with Michael Schumacher in Ferrari Alonso said:

“Schumacher would be a tough teammate because Ferrari is a team with a clear number 1 and number 2 driver”.

“People feel I can challenge for the Championship this year because I have 4 years experience in Formula 1 and I am not a rookie anymore.”

Alonso is looking forward to a 2004 season that is about to start and he is not afraid of the pressure he has to face. Alonso recognizes that he and rulli will have the same conditions during the season:

“We are two drivers with the same conditions and later on races will put us in our place”.

“We have improved our car after focusing on the engine that it was our weakest link. Now it has more power and is more reliable. I am sorry but the team wants me to give the less posible information to our rivals.” He added. “We are still far from the top teams in horsepower and we can suffer that on the tracks with long straights as Australia.”

Is Alonso implying that he will not have a big showing in Australia?

“I always go out thinking I can win. We have the example of last year in Malaysia where we had a great showing despite not being our favourite track”.

“I am most impressed on the preseason with BAR and Toyota and also with the evolution of the wet tyres of Michelin that have improved the performance.” He said. “However, after the tests there are many favourites and the races put everyone on their place.”