Q & A with Fernando Alonso

Fernando Alonso: I am very excited. Always after a long break like we have just had for three weeks you really look forward to getting in the car again. This time it is Turkey after the break, which is a very exciting race, and it should be a positive weekend.

Q. Do you think you can win here this weekend?

FA: I hope so. I have never won here - I have two seconds places from the last two years so I really want to have a victory here. Hopefully this weekend will be my chance but it could be difficult. You never know what will happen in the race. There are four drivers that have a chance to win and hopefully I will be the winner.

Q. What are your thoughts on the Istanbul Park circuit?

FA: It is a very technical and difficult track. The circuit is very hilly so it is difficult to see the exit of some of the corners - so you have to guess. Turn Eight is a very special corner in the entire championship.

It is a very long left-hander, where you are pulling 4g for three to four seconds. This is something unique and makes the circuit really stand out.

Q. Is the Istanbul Park track suited to the McLaren?

FA: It is difficult to say what the performance of our car will be at this track. I guess the Ferrari will be strong, as the long tracks with long corners such as Magny-Cours and Silverstone have been better suited to them, so it could be very difficult.

But for sure we have made improvements to the car over this period and we will try very hard to beat them this weekend.

Q. How was your holiday?

FA: For me the break was a little too long, as you always want to be in the car and especially with the championship as it is you do not want too many breaks. I spent the two weeks at home with family and friends; it was a very relaxed holiday.

Q. It will be your 100th Grand Prix, is this an important number for you?

FA: If I win this weekend it will be an important number as I will always remember this race. If I do not then I will try to forget my 100th Grand Prix very quickly.