Spain preview quotes: Renault

Q. Fernando, what's your verdict on the race in the Nürburgring?

FA: I am very happy. You know, when you are fighting for the victory and get pole position, then of course you want to win as well. But we did a good job. Our performance was not as strong as we hoped, and even with that, we got eight points. So for sure, when everything is OK during the race weekend, then we can win more races.

Q. Barcelona will have a record, sell-out crowd of 130,000 people on Sunday. You must be looking forward to it?

FA: Of course, yes. It is a very special feeling for me to be at my home Grand Prix, it is something unique in the whole championship. It can be a bit stressful too, but the main emotion for me is that I really enjoy the whole weekend, seeing the fans from Wednesday and Thursday onwards. There are so many of them, it is a shame we only have one race in Spain!

Q. Inevitably, for a home race, people will wonder if it brings more pressure. Does it? FA: I think that pressure comes when you don't do your maximum, then you have pressure in your head. In my case though, I always do the maximum, in a test or a race, at Barcelona or any other track. If I am doing the maximum, then I don't have pressure. As soon as the visor goes down and the race starts, it really doesn't matter at all.

Q. Will the Renault be strong at the Circuit de Catalunya?

FA: I think we are always good there. It is an aero circuit, which is good for Renault, and the team was on the podium every time in the last three years. We saw in Germany that the car is competitive, but Ferrari were a little bit stronger. The next races in Barcelona and Monaco will be dominated by tyres I think and in the past years they were both Michelin circuits. I think there are some good opportunities coming up for us.

Q. Finally, we don't want to tempt fate, but what would a victory mean to you at your home race?

FA: Well, last year I think it was not quite so important for me, because I was so focused on the championship and just wanted to win races, it didn't matter which ones. This season it is a bit different. Of course, I am fighting really hard for the title. But now, it is true that if I have to pick two or three races in the year I want to win, then Barcelona is definitely one of them!

Giancarlo Fisichella

Q. What were your thoughts after the race in Barcelona?

GF: It was a difficult race, but we had a good strategy, the team did a fantastic job during the pit-stops and I was very aggressive - which got me up to sixth position. It is still a frustrating result, but I have still scored important points for the championship, for myself and the team.

Q. In just five days' time you will be in Barcelona for the Spanish Grand Prix. What are you expecting?

GF: Barcelona is a circuit we all know very well because we do so much testing there, especially in the winter. I enjoy the circuit a lot and I know the Renault will be quick there. I am very optimistic for the race weekend, and I hope it will be a bit easier than the last one!

Q. How do you expect the Michelin tyres to perform?

GF: Barcelona is a very tough circuit for the tyres, as we all know. The asphalt is quite abrasive and there are some high speed corners that are hard for the tyres, like the last two corners. But I know Michelin will bring good tyres for this race. They know the circuit well and they are working very hard. I am feeling very confident for Spain, we know the Michelins will be quick!

Q. The race sees massive support for your team-mate. Does that have any downsides for you?

GF: No, the opposite in fact! The Spanish fans are always really good with me, and give me a lot of support. Italy and Spain have similar cultures, the people there are like brothers for us I think! And it is always a big boost to see their fantastic support for the whole Renault team!