By role
May 5 2004

Spanish driver Fernando Alonso does not want to bring expectation up for the next Spanish Grand Prix. After finishing second last year behind the new Ferrari 2003-GA of Michael Schumacher hopes are high in his home country to see Alonso finish at the podium. More than 100.000 fans are expected at the Montmeló track on the outskirts of Barcelona in what could become a record crowd. Thanks to the performances of Alonso through the 2003 and 2004 season which included one win at Hungary Formula 1 has become one the most followed sports in Spain and Tele 5, the Spanish telecast that bought the Tv rights for an alleged 6 million Euros is having ratings of more than 4 million viewers an shares of more than 30%, something only achieved by Football or by the Roland Garros final when a Spanish player is on court.

Alonso is fully aware of that expectation and he wants to use the fans as motivators instead of pressure. Also, he wants to get sure that the fans understand that repeating last year podium won’t be very easy.

In a conference today at Madrid the Spaniard was clear that he will not add up pressure on himself:

“I am not putting added pressure on myself. This weekend we have to work hardr for the car to run well. We are a bit worse than last year when we came to Barcelona. Behind Williams, BAR and mainly Ferrari that are faster, but pressure won’t affect me.” He said. “To be on the podium at Barcelona would be a dream for me.”

Alonso has also mentioned that he expects the team to regain competitiveness for the summer:

“We still have to suffer through some races.” He concluded.