Q & A with Fernando Alonso

Conducted and provided by Renault's press office.

Q. 2003 must seem a long time ago?

Fernando Alonso:

It seems light years away! I will never forget such a fantastic season, and winning a Grand Prix for the first time. However, things never stand still in F1 and, as soon as the last race was over, I was starting to wonder what the new car would be capable of. I have visited Enstone regularly during the creation of the R24. I have talked a lot with the engineers.We have worked hard over the winter.

Q. What is your frame of mind about the coming season?

FA:

First of all, I think it will be at least as competitive as last year.The fight at the front is getting closer all the time, and the new points system which came into effect for 2003 should once again take the championship down to the final races. At Renault, we are confident.We know that the R24 is an evolution of the R23B: it has retained the good points, and the team has tried to correct the few weaknesses. I expect us to have a quick, driveable car that responds well to set-up changes. I have no worries.

Q. Is there any area in which you need to improve?

FA:

I have always said that I didn't really ask myself any questions when I was driving. For me, driving an F1 car comes naturally. I can't describe why. Sometimes, though, I tend to compensate for a problem on the car by adapting how I drive. I perhaps need to learn how to be more sensitive to what the car is doing. In 2003, I also learned that to fight for victory requires 100% commitment.You can take nothing for granted, and that's why I will be working even harder this year.

Q. How do you feel at Renault?

FA:

I have a long-term relationship with this team and right now, there is nothing that would make me want to look elsewhere. Renault is like my extended family.We are at the beginning of a fantastic experience, and I can't wait for the rewards of our hard work.We want to be fighting for the title in 2005.