Alonso Fired Up for Turkish Debut

Neither the Spaniard nor Italian teammate Giancarlo Fisichella scored points at the last Hungarian Grand Prix on July 31 but both expect to be challenging for victory at the new Istanbul Otodrom after the August break.

"It was a bit of a surprise for us that we had problems in Hungary, but in reality I think the car could have been pretty competitive with a trouble-free race," said Alonso in a team preview on Monday.

"Of course, that doesn't matter because the fact is we didn't score points, and we need to do that in Turkey. But we still have a strong car, and the team is very motivated.

"I am refreshed after the break and ready to attack the final races of the year. The team is leading both Championships, and that is definitely the best position to be in right now," added the 24-year-old.

Alonso, winner of six of the season's 13 races so far, leads McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen by 26 points in the Championship with six races remaining.

Renault are 12 points ahead of McLaren.

While Fisichella has yet to see the new Hermann Tilke-designed circuit, located on the Asian side of Istanbul, Alonso knows what to expect after a recent visit for a demonstration drive in the city.

He said managing the tyres would be the first priority in the August heat at an undulating circuit with plenty of slow corners to make the rear tyres work hard on the exits.

"I think the brakes will have quite a hard time, and it will be tough for the drivers too in the cockpit," said the Spaniard.

"When temperatures are very high, we can lose up to three kilos through sweating in the car. So we need to be in top physical form as well as getting the car to perform to its best level," he added.

Fisichella, winner of the season-opening race in Australia, said the circuit should be more to Renault's taste than the slow Hungaroring.

"Turkey is much more like the tracks where we have been successful, and the hot weather is good for our car. I think we will be in the hunt for podium finishes," he said.