Busy race for Alonso

Renault's Fernando Alonso talked about an incident-filled run to third place in yesterday's German Grand Prix, marked by technical problems and dramatic racing.

Q: Fernando, you made an incredible start: was it one of the best of your career?

Podium: Fernando Alonso.

Photo by LAT Photographic.

Fernando Alonso: Not the best, but definitely one of them, yes. It was not the best start I have done this year, but I had to go round a few people as well. Kimi moved towards the left, but I held position and then took my line into the corner. I think maybe if there had been a longer straight before the first corner, somewhere else than Hockenheim, then maybe I could have caught Michael as well.

Q: The next major incident in the race for you was the battle with Jenson (Button) during the third stint: how was that from inside the cockpit?

FA: Fun -- for both of us! A couple of times, we had to take some big risks through turn 7 (after the hairpin), but we both enjoyed ourselves. We are both aggressive drivers, but also difficult to overtake. It was a fair fight, and I had some good fun in those laps.

Q: We saw you lose a lot of speed in the final stint, when Jenson overtook you. Did you have a problem?

FA: Yes! In the car at the time, I didn't know what it was, but afterwards, we found that one of my bargeboards had broken and was caught underneath the car. Suddenly, I was very slow -- three seconds off the pace! Plus, there was no front grip at all, the car was just understeering everywhere. But the team told me I would lose too much time if I stopped, so I carried on, and then touched the kerb at turn 6 and suddenly everything was OK again. After that, it was normal race for the last ten laps, and I started running at my proper speed. I feel lucky to have finished third; it definitely feels much better than a normal podium.

Q: Finally, the next race will be in Hungary, one year on from your first win. Can you do it again?

FA: I don't know about winning, but I think we can be very strong. Everything suggests we should be: we were good there last year, we were quick in Monaco with maximum downforce as well, and we will have more engine developments for that race. I am feeling confident, and it is one of my favourite circuits, so let's hope we can do something spectacular.

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