Alonso hopes for podium at Suzuka!

By role
October 9 2003

Fernando Alonso is looking forward to the Japanese GP at Suzuka this weekend. After finishing 4 times on the podium and scoring one win the Spaniard is looking forward to step on the podium again.

"Suzuka is a fabulous circuit to drive a Formula 1 car on. There have been some changes at 130R which means one of the big challenges is different, but we still have the Esses, as well as almost every other corner around the circuit, to keep us on our toes. In one sense, set-up is simple there: you just need a car that is good at everything. In reality, that means lots of compromises, so we will be working hard in practice to dial in the chassis and tyres. But we will be good there: the circuit should suit us." The Spaniard said.

Could a win be on the cards this weekend? Alonso does not think they ahve as good chance as in Hungary:

"I don't think we will be as strong as in Hungary, but we will definitely be looking for a podium finish. The teams in front of us will be pushing hard, so our job will be even more difficult: two of them are trying to win the Drivers' Championship, and the other is fighting for the Constructors?. Even so, I still have a chance to get fourth in the championship: I missed out at Indy, but we will be fighting with the other top teams in Japan. If I don't get it, it's not a problem: this season has been far beyond what I had hoped for. But it would be fantastic way to round things off, and I will be pushing hard to achieve it." He concluded.