By role
March 4 2004

Spanish driver Fernando Alonso is all ready to go on Sunday for the Australian Grand Prix and for the start of the season. The Spaniard is quite confident on his possibilities and in the car. "The most important thing is that I go to Australia with more confidence: I know the car, the championship, what it is like to be in a top team. Last season, I had just spent a year on the sidelines testing, so I was apprehensive and not completely sure how things would go. This year, my approach is very different: I feel much more at ease."

Is the R24 ready for the job to finish on the top 3?

"The biggest improvement is definitely the engine: we have been reliable throughout testing, and have more power. But everything else has moved forwards too: Michelin have made big progress over the winter with the tyres, and the car has better driveability. The team has done a great job: 100% of our package is stronger."

Alonso and the team hyave been several days in Merlbourne but there has been little time to get bored:

"The nice thing about Melbourne is that we get to spend some time in the city before the race. We had a trip to Tokyo for Mild Seven then go to Australia to get used to the conditions, and do some promotional appearances: Jarno and I playing tennis in the city centre with John Alexander and John Fitzgerald (Australian Davis Cup captain) on Wednesday. ...lots to do, but all of this just builds towards Sunday: I'm waiting for the lights to go out so we can go racing."

What is the dreamed result for Alonso?

"I don't know, it's so difficult to predict before we all run. Let's say a podium."