Alonso aims to get back on track

RENAULT driver Fernando Alonso said he was “very optimistic” of halting title rival Michael Schumacher’s run of form at Sunday’s German Grand Prix.

Ferrari star Schumacher has won the last two races to close to within 17 points of Alonso in the championship.

But the reigning champion said he was confident of a return to winning ways.

“I am feeling very optimistic,” the Spaniard said. “We had a strong first half of the season and I think we can finish 2006 the way we started it.”

But Alonso admitted it was important to turn the tables on Ferrari as soon as possible — and especially so at Schumacher’s home race.

“It’s important to beat Michael at every race — not just Hockenheim,” Alonso said.

“We know that at this stage of the season, we have to be finishing in front of the Ferraris. But I think that a win in Germany could be worth more than 10 points because of the psychological aspect. I try to win all the races — but it would mean a lot to take the victory here.”

Renault have struggled to match Ferrari in the last two races as the Italian team’s tyre supplier Bridgestone has appeared to enjoy an advantage over Renault’s partner Michelin.

Schumacher and Ferrari have won the last two races Alonso said: “We are in the middle of a good fight between the tyre manufacturers at the moment.

“Michelin and Bridgestone are pushing each other hard at every race.

“We have fantastic tyres on the car and Michelin are giving us the extra performance, that’s why we are leading the championship.”

Renault have some major upgrades to their car for the German race, following on from Ferrari doing the same for the last event in France.

And Alonso said he was sure Renault’s car development could keep pace with Ferrari.

Pat Symonds, Renault engineering director said: “I think we are developing the car in a good way at the moment.”

“We began the season with a fantastic car, so maybe that left us a little less room to improve than the other teams. But even though our competitors are developing and trying to come back, we are still winning races. The team hasn’t stopped improving the car and engine.”

Renault engineering director said this year’s title battle with Ferrari was much tougher than last year’s against McLaren.

“Last year, our rivals had a speed advantage and their Achilles heel was reliability,” Symonds said.

“We were on the same tyres, which meant it would be hard to race them — so we went conservative to benefit from their reliability problems.

“This year, Ferrari are on different tyres to us, so their performance is not in synch with ours. What’s more, they have had bloody good reliability.”