Alonso looking to lift French spirits with Renault victory
World champion Alonso was soundly beaten by Michael Schumacher at Indianapolis two weeks ago but is aiming to put the Ferrari ace in his place at Renault’s home track.
The battle between Formula One’s two powerhouses has been given added intensity by the World Cup, with Ferrari celebrating Italy’s penalty shoot-out win over France, home of Renault.
The Spaniard said: “We need to attack, to win races and the more we win the better — starting from Magny-Cours. It is a great opportunity to win.”
Alonso saw his remarkable run of 15 consecutive podium finishes grind to a halt with an unusually off-key display in the US. He was easily beaten by team-mate Giancarlo Fisichella on his way to fifth place but is convinced that was a one-off performance and promised a return to the podium this weekend.
He said: “I have quickly forgotten Indianapolis and am concentrating on Magny-Cours.
“From now we should be on the podium constantly.”
Despite his Indianapolis struggles, Alonso is unfazed by Schumacher’s renewed title charge — and the seven-time champion’s new-found confidence.
However, the 24-year-old will not let his guard down, knowing one bad weekend could cost him 10 points in the title race.
He added: “Kimi Raikkonen thought last year that he could catch me when he was 25 points behind, this is the normal motivation. And for the leader it is normal to think he can keep the advantage.
“Hopefully we can keep the advantage but it is not easy because Michael is quick and Ferrari finish all the races. It is very difficult to increase the gap, very easy for it to decrease.”
Alonso started his weekend in promising fashion with a rapid display in second practice.
BMW-Sauber tester Robert Kubica set the standard but Alonso was second overall, the only race driver to break into the top four.
Fisichella also hinted at a return to form for Renault, claiming fifth, while Schumacher was one place further back. The German is still aiming to taste victory in the title race. He has never given up hope of catching Alonso and arrived in France with a new spring in his step after Indianapolis.
“Obviously this was a major step and if we can keep that up you can imagine how long it would take for us to be back in the championship,” said Schumacher.
“It is possible — within 19 points. It really depends how the rest of the season goes. We will keep on fighting.”
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