Alonso motivated by home fans

Spaniard wants to capitalise on chassis improvements

Last updated: 24th April 2008

fernando alonso renault 6/4/2008

Alonso: determined

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Fernando Alonso is hopeful of putting on "a beautiful show" for his home fans at this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix, but also knows Renault may well struggle once again.

Alonso's return to the team with whom he won the world championship in both 2005 and 2006 has, so far, been a disappointment, leading to speculation that he will, once again, move on at the end of the year.

The Spaniard's best result came with a fourth-place finish at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix - Alonso's position at the chequered flag aided by the high rate of attrition seen in Melbourne.

He claimed another point in Malaysia but the performance of Renault's R28 car has slipped to the extent that Alonso and team-mate Nelson Piquet Jr are fighting to qualify in the top 10.

Nevertheless, ahead of this weekend's outing at Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya - the country also hosting the European Grand Prix later in the year in Valencia - Alonso has vowed to give his all.

"It is certainly a special feeling to race in your home grand prix because I benefit from amazing support, which is very motivating," he said.

"Some people see this as added pressure, but it's not. Instead it gives me the determination to do even better.

"I hope to be in a position to give the Spanish people a beautiful show, and with two races in Spain this year, I am very lucky."

Problems

But Alonso is acutely aware of Renault's problems, adding: "After the first three races, it was clear that we were not at the level of the leading teams.

"We were missing some speed and the car was sometimes unstable in the quick corners and under braking, which is where we hope to improve with the latest updates that we have coming.

"I know the team is doing its best to progress quickly, and I will continue to give my maximum this weekend.

"But it remains to be seen how much our competitors will have improved as well.

"I just hope our hard work will pay us back and that our car will allow us to catch up with the other teams, although it will certainly not be easy.

"Qualifying once again will be essential, and we will have to be well placed to try and score maximum points."