Formula 1
European GP: Renault driver preview
Comments from the Renault drivers ahead of the European Grand Prix Jarno Trulli -- Race driver Q: Nurburgring was the scene of your best result in Formula 1 in 1999: what is your opinion of the circuit? Jarno Trulli: "I'd call it a normal ...
Edited: Jun 24, 2003, 12:22 AM
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Comments from the Renault drivers ahead of the European Grand Prix
Jarno Trulli -- Race driver
Q: Nurburgring was the scene of your best result in Formula 1 in 1999: what is your opinion of the circuit?
Jarno Trulli: "I'd call it a normal circuit -- I enjoy them all, and this is no exception! From a driver's point of view, it is actually fairly easy -- the circuit is not particularly technical, and the most important thing is to find a good rhythm. In terms of the changes made last year, I wouldn't say they are negative, but the straight is still too short for it to be a genuine overtaking opportunity: if you are looking to pass somebody, the back straight is still the best place to try.
Q: The Nurburgring is known as a circuit where local knowledge can pay dividends. You raced here in Formula 3, and do you think it is still a benefit?
JT:</B> Yes, I do -- I know the circuit very well from my time in German F3, and that detailed knowledge is always important. Local knowledge is crucial for getting a feel of what the weather is likely to do, and planning your strategy accordingly. We should be competitive, and I am looking forward to starting the second half of the season with a good finish.
Fernando Alonso -- Race driver
Q: How well do you know the Nurburgring, and what are the challenges from your perspective?
Fernando Alonso: "I raced here in 2001 so I know the circuit quite well, but of course it has changed since then. The new section will definitely be the most difficult part of the track for me because I don't know it at all, but I have the advantage of running on Friday morning. By the time practice starts, I will have learned the circuit properly and I think we can be confident of performing well.
Q: And how competitive do you hope to be?
FA: We had a very good test in Jerez last week. We completed over 200 laps, which was fantastic in terms of reliability, and we found some interesting solutions with the tyres and set-up. We were very fast, as I set the fastest time on both days, and I am looking forward to the weekend ahead. The Nurburgring should be a circuit that suits us.
Allan McNish -- Test driver
Q: Having reached the halfway stage of the season, how happy are you with 2003 so far?
Allan McNish: Overall, I think our first half of the season has been better than most people expected, both in terms of the actual results, but also what we have achieved out of our limited testing and the Friday morning running at the races. On a personal level, I think I have re-established my position in Formula 1, and this year has allowed me to expand my knowledge by working in a big team, with such a good group of people, and driving a competitive F1 car.
Q: How enjoyable is the Nurburgring from a driver's perspective?
AM: The Nurburgring is a place with a lot of history, although most of it happened out on the old Nordschleife. Certainly, we expect the circuit to suit our car, but it is a more a track for the fans to enjoy spectating at, than for us to enjoy driving. We saw some changes last year which, while they didn't enhance the circuit from a pure driving perspective, did at least create a new overtaking opportunity. After a positive test this week, we can look forward to gaining more points in the race.
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