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Renault preview the French GP

Wednesday 18th June 2008

Fernando Alonso and Nelson Piquet Jr hope to pick up some points in France after missing out on top-eight finishes in Montreal.

Fernando Alonso:

Q: Fernando, a superb qualifying performance in Montreal allowed you to aim for the podium in the race. That must make it all the more frustrating not to finish the Grand Prix?
FA: It's clear that we missed a great opportunity to score some big points in Montreal, but we must remain positive and keep moving forward. Our level of performance there showed the progress the team has made and we must now continue our efforts because we can see the rewards. I know that everybody in the team is doing their best to improve our performance, and that will pay off in the end.

Q: You are preparing to compete in Renault's home Grand Prix. Is it special to drive here in Magny-Cours?
FA: Yes, definitely. There are always lots of people associated with Renault watching the race and wearing the team's colours, which is a big source of motivation. Also, it's the French Grand Prix and the team is French, so I have enormous motivation to have a good weekend, and I will once again give my maximum.

Q: In terms of the car set-up, what are the main challenges of the circuit?
FA: It's a circuit where the car must perform well in all parts in order to do a good lap time. There are some quick corners and direction changes, the brakes are important and you need good acceleration. The temperature is usually quite high, so you have to find a set- up that allows you to make the most of the tyres and optimise the general balance of the car. I don't have any specific concerns and we will work on these different points in free practice on Friday.

Q: The team continued its development programme in Barcelona last week. What are your expectations for the eighth race of the season?
FA: Yes, we completed three days in Barcelona last week. It was a case of validating the latest developments on the car, especially the aerodynamic and mechanical components that we plan to use at the French Grand Prix and the coming races. That went well, the team got a lot of information and I hope that we will see more progress this weekend. That is important for the morale of the team because we still have a lot to do in order to catch up with the leaders. But I am happy and I know that whatever happens I will give my maximum to get the best from my car and to do well in the race.

Nelson Piquet

Q: Nelson, looking back to Canada, it was developing into a promising race, but the team was out of luck again...
NP: Yes, we could have scored points there, but we had some problems as so we couldn't finish the race. Having said that, there are positives that I take from the race as I have gained some more experience, learnt a new track and my race was going well until I had to retire. We have seen that the car has the pace to be competitive and so we are focussing on that and will keep pushing hard for the next stage of the season.

Q: How have your preparations gone for Magny-Cours and how do you expect the car to perform this weekend?
NP:

Q: It's a home race for the team - does that add extra pressure to do well?
NP: As a home race for the team I would love to do well, but I don't think there is extra pressure because I always expect the most from myself at all the races and always push to the limit. After two street courses in Monaco and Montreal, it will be a change to get back to a more traditional style of circuit in Magny-Cours, especially as it is a circuit that I know well from my time in GP2.

Q: What are your hopes for the French Grand Prix?
NP: It's an important race for the team and I would love to get my first points on Renault's home ground, so that has to be my target. We had a good test last week in Barcelona and have some new things on the car which will help. I'm sure there will be a lot of support for the team and I will try and draw on that. I will need to qualify well as it's a difficult track to overtake on, but if I can do that then I think we can have a strong race.

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