The ING Renault F1 team drivers look ahead to round eleven of the season, the European Grand Prix in Valencia.

Fernando, the race in Hungary was disappointing, but there were some positives to take from the weekend…
Fernando Alonso: Yes, our performance in Hungary was encouraging as the car was quick and we managed to get pole, which was actually a bit of a surprise. To retire from the race was disappointing, but I'm looking on the bright side because I think that the car can be just as competitive in Valencia. Last year my race there was very short - less than a lap - so I'm really determined to make up for that this weekend and hopefully we can fight for the podium.

How is the mood in the team after the summer break?
FA: I think the break was good for everyone and the team has come back refreshed and ready to push hard for the final part of the season. I also have a new teammate this weekend and I'm looking forward to working with Romain who I'm sure will do a good job for the team. I already have a good relationship with him and hopefully he can help us score some important points for the championship.

How excited are you to be racing on home ground this weekend?
FA: Racing at home is always special and Valencia is a beautiful city and a great place to have a race. I've always enjoyed racing on street circuits as they have a special atmosphere and the whole city gets involved in the race. Also, as it's a home race for me I know that there will be amazing support from the fans and I really want to reward them with a good result. As I've said, I would love to fight for the podium, but the main priority is to score points this weekend.

Romain, you will race with the team for the rest of the season. How does it feel to have this opportunity?
Romain Grosjean: Of course I'm very excited and I want to thank the team for giving me this chance. I started dreaming about being a Formula One driver when I was seven or eight years old when I was watching the battles between Prost and Senna on television so to make my debut in Valencia really is a dream come true.

Does it feel special to drive for the only French team on the grid?
RG: My goal has always been to become a Formula One driver and to do that with a French team makes it even more special. Renault has supported me since 2006 and it was only with their help that I could afford to continue racing. There is maybe a bit more attention because people have been waiting for a French driver in a Renault, but I will do my best to show that they were right to believe in me.

How valuable has it been to attend all the races as third driver this year?
RG: It has been really helpful as I've got to know everybody and seen how the team works. Attending all the meetings and debriefs during the last six months will certainly help me make the most of this opportunity.

How does it feel to be teammate to Fernando Alonso - a double world champion?
RG: He is a great champion - maybe the best driver in Formula One and I'm looking forward to working with him for the rest of the season. We already get on well and because he has so much experience I know there is a lot I can learn from him.

You raced in Valencia in GP2 last year - what did you think of the circuit?
RG: It's a mix between a street course and a normal circuit because in some places the track is narrow and tricky and in other places it's really wide with lots of run-off. It's not the easiest place to make your debut, but I've always liked street races and enjoy the atmosphere of being in the middle of a city.

How have you been preparing for your debut?
RG: I've tried to make my preparation as normal as possible, although I have been training my neck muscles more than usual because Formula One is more demanding than GP2 on this part of the body. I've also taken some holiday time during the summer break to make sure I am fresh and 100% ready for Valencia.

What are you hopes for the weekend?
RG: I've only driven the R29 in straight-line testing so my first race will be a learning experience. It's difficult to set myself an objective so my first priority will be to get comfortable with the car, build my confidence over the weekend and do the best job I can for the team.