You have won three consecutive races – but Ferrari were very fast in San Marino. How do you analyse the situation?
Fernando Alonso: We were certainly slower than Ferrari in Imola, even if we don't know for definite the reasons why, and the whole team has been working very hard to push even more for Barcelona. But I think that Ferrari found very special conditions in San Marino that worked perfectly for them: it is not normal for one car to be so fast compared to every other car in the field, not just ours. Certainly, we are not now fighting the same Ferrari team we saw at the first three races, but I don't think we will be facing the same strength as in Imola either. Hopefully things will be tougher for them this weekend.
So, are you optimistic for your chances at your home race?
FA: If you look at the results, a Renault has won the first four races of the season, so everything is still there to fight for. Historically, Barcelona has been a much better circuit for the team than Imola, so we have to be confident for this race. But the other teams are very quick, and we all test there so everybody knows the circuit. I think the competition will be very close, even more than we saw in Bahrain or Imola.
Giancarlo, in four races, you have had one win and three retirements: how do you react to that?
Giancarlo Fisichella: I have been in Formula 1 a long time, and I know that the only way you can react is to be positive. For sure, it has been frustrating but from my point of view, I know that the failures I have suffered have actually helped the team: in Malaysia, the front wing failed but the team corrected the problem, and we have had no difficulties since; the lessons from the engine problem in Bahrain meant that Fernando was able to complete his race in Imola, and maintain the team's lead in the championship. All our rivals are pushing very hard as well, and the top teams have not had perfect reliability – but these things happen in Formula 1, and we have worked to solve the problems. The team has reacted very positively and we now have a faster, more reliable car. I am determined to respond in the same way, and want to start scoring points again as soon as possible.
Starting at Barcelona?
GF: I hope so! It is a circuit we know really well because we do thousands of kilometres there during the winter in testing, and we pretty much know what set-up we need even before we arrive. It is important to have a very stable balance, because you need to be aggressive with the car and if you don't have that confidence, you really lose a lot of time on the lap. The tyres are worked hard too, and although we will probably start the race with an under-steering car, it will be important to be gentle on the rear tyres because I think by the end of the race, people will be struggling with braking and traction.
How do you expect the car to perform there?
GF: I think the R25 will be quick in Barcelona, really quick. In the last seasons, Renault have always been fast there and already this year in testing, we have been fast on the timed lap and then very consistent on the long runs. Of course, Fernando will have huge support there and that will bring him a boost but I have already seen from testing that while they are supporting him, they also give me a very warm welcome – they want to see me do well too. Things will be quite difficult because I am running early in first qualifying again, but as long as the lap is trouble-free, then I can get into a good grid position for a strong result. It will be important for me to start scoring points again.
