Alonso plays down chances

Spaniard not expecting a podium finish in Turkey

Last updated: 2nd June 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Alonso plays down chances

Alonso: Not expecting big things in Turkey

We will have new developments for the car over the next few weeks and that should help, but I'm not expecting to jump to the front of the grid in Turkey.

Fernando Alonso
Quotes of the week

Related links

Teams

Drivers

Also see

Although Renault are heading to the Turkish Grand Prix with several new developments to their R29, they don't expect to be fighting for podiums, according to Fernando Alonso.

The French-based squad have failed to make major impact this year and find themselves sixth in the Constructors' Championship. Alonso has picked up all their points and his best showings to date have been fifth-placed finishes in the season opener in Australia and his home grand prix in Spain.

The team are hoping to up their performance in Istanbul and director of engineering Pat Symonds has already confirmed that they will focus on aerodynamics and the front wing.

Alonso concedes that it is unlikely that they will be on the front of the grid this weekend, but is more optimistic about their chances later in the year.

"It's clear that we need to take another step forward," the Spaniard said. "We will have new developments for the car over the next few weeks and that should help, but I'm not expecting to jump to the front of the grid in Turkey.

"However, I still believe that later in the year we can be back fighting for podiums and winning races, just as we did last year. We know it won't be easy, but the whole team is extremely motivated and determined to get back to the front."

Alonso's team-mate Nelson Piquet is hoping for a good qualifying session in Turkey in order to gain some points.

"My priority is to try and score some points to help the team in the Championship," he said.

"The track should suit the car and we will also have some new updates this weekend which should give us some extra performance. We need to qualify well, hopefully in the top 10, and choose an aggressive strategy so that we can move forward in the race."