Formula 1 News

Renault: 2008 Monaco GP preview 

Q. Bob, the team has taken a big step forward in the last couple of races and scored some valuable points in Turkey. How does it feel to see the result of all the hard work? Bob Bell, Renault Technical Director: “I feel immensely proud of the team and the huge effort that everybody has put in, which has been well rewarded by the step forward we have made. There has been a lot of work behind the scenes with everyone working long hours, but it has paid off, and that is remarkably satisfying for everyone.”

Q. Fernando had a strong race in Turkey to finish 6th. What did that do for team morale? Bob Bell: “It’s done a lot for the morale of the team, but we are not under any illusion in terms of the magnitude of our progress. We made it clear that we would take a step forward in Barcelona and Istanbul, but we remained realistic and knew that we were not going to jump in front of the top three teams. It was a case of lifting ourselves clear of the midfield bunch. So as a team we have delivered on that promise, and that’s a good morale booster for everyone.”

Q. Is it fair to say that Renault has emerged as the fourth fastest team in the pecking order? Bob Bell: “I think that is a fair assessment and we will look to consolidate that position in Monaco. But as the next few races unfold our clear objective is to move ourselves closer and closer to the leading group of cars. The recent progress is just the first of several steps that we are going to have to take this season.”

Q. Nelson has done five races now. How is he settling into the race team? Bob Bell: “He’s settled in very well in terms of his relationship with the team and he gets on well with everyone. It’s also fair to say that as a rookie he has a lot to learn, and we must not forget that Formula 1 racing takes a lot of getting used to. At circuits that he knows well, such as Barcelona, he has done an exceptional job, but he has found it harder at other circuits that are slightly newer to him. His race in Turkey was compromised by his poor qualifying performance, but I’m quite sure that he will bounce back in Monaco. He’s young; he’s very capable and he will learn from his mistakes. I expect him to keep getting stronger and stronger.”

Q. What can you tell us about the continued development of the R28 – any revisions for Monaco? Bob Bell: “Traditionally there is a special package developed for Monaco because it is such a unique place. It’s a high downforce circuit; it requires additional steering lock, and we have to adopt a slightly unusual set-up to deal with its peculiarities. But on top of that we have some additional development items, which will be applicable to any of the forthcoming races and so we should see another small step forward.”

Q. How challenging is the Monaco Grand Prix? Bob Bell: “It’s a difficult circuit where it is very easy to make a mistake and experience counts for a lot. We always see a lot of incidents in Monaco anyway because the margins for error there are much smaller, and therefore the lack of driver aids may catch some drivers out more than we have seen in previous years. I think that is why Fernando will come to the fore because he’s so on top of his game – he will get the best out of the car.”

Q. What can we expect from the team in Monaco? Will it suit the R28? Bob Bell: “I think that we can do well in Monaco. It should suit the car and I think Fernando and Nelson will be able to get the most out of it. And with the developments that we have to help move us forward, we are all quietly confident about Monaco.”

Q. Nelson, you have raced almost a third of the season now. How do you feel and how would you describe your F1 debut so far? Nelson Piquet: “It has not been an easy introduction to Formula One. I’ve made a few mistakes, had some bad luck and this is not how I imagined my first five races as a Formula 1 driver. But the important thing is that I have gained some valuable experience, and learnt some lessons, which I hope will allow me to become a stronger driver for the rest of the season.”

Q. Monaco is by far the most glamorous venue on the F1 calendar and a very atypical circuit. Do you usually enjoy street circuits? Nelson Piquet: “For sure, although racing on the streets can sometimes be a bit of a lottery. Qualifying is always important, but in Monaco it will be even more so because the streets are so narrow and it is almost impossible to overtake. Then in the race you need to have a good strategy and hope that you don’t get stuck in traffic. And of course, like any street circuit, you have to be totally consistent because the walls are so close that any mistakes will be heavily punished.”

Q. Is it a special feeling for you to race here as you lived very near Monaco when you were young? Nelson Piquet: “The atmosphere in Monaco is incredible and as I lived there when I was younger I know all about that. It will be special to go back there as a Formula 1 driver, although it does not feel like a home Grand Prix. I’ve raced there in GP2 already, and so I know my way around the track, but it will certainly be different in a Formula 1 car and that is something I am looking forward to.”

Q. Considering the recent progress the team has made since Barcelona, what can you expect from the Monaco GP? How will you approach this race? Nelson Piquet: “I will approach the race in my usual way by trying to do the best job I can for the team. It would be great if we can score some points and that will be my goal, so I will need to qualify well, hopefully in the top ten, and then try and have a consistent race. ”

Q. Fernando, in Turkey you confirmed the progress shown at the Spanish Grand Prix. What is your frame of mind as we approach Monaco? Fernando Alonso: “I am really happy. In Turkey we showed that the progress we made in Spain was not simply a coincidence. I scored three points, although it’s fair to say that the problem Heikki had at the start of the race helped me. These are three very important points and it’s proof that we are improving and fighting back. There is still a lot to do before we can fight at the front, but we are moving in the right direction and we are more determined than ever to get there.”

Q. You have won in Monaco for the last two years. It must be very special to drive in the Principality? Fernando Alonso: “Yes, it is an unusual circuit and I have some good memories there because to win in Monaco is very special for a driver. It’s a race that I enjoy because the atmosphere is unique and driving through the town is very exciting. It’s also a race where you cannot afford to make any mistakes, and this year the race promise to be very interesting.”

Q. Do you think that the progress made in the last two races will allow you to do well in Monaco? Fernando Alonso: “We have progressed, but we are still behind Ferrari, McLaren and BMW. Even though Monaco is a circuit where the driver can really make the difference, a good car will always be an advantage and makes things easier. But we will try and spring a surprise and make the most of our opportunities. At the moment we are fighting for seventh place, but, as we saw in Istanbul, it is possible to do better if one of the favourites has a problem. We therefore need to be ready for any chance that comes our way.”

Q. What area do you need to concentrate on in order to improve your car? Fernando Alonso: “Monaco is a technical circuit and requires good traction so that you can have a good corner exit. This also makes it easier to defend your position or to overtake a competitor. It’s not the strong point of the R28 at the moment, even though we have improved, and so I think that that is where we will concentrate our efforts when we start practice on Thursday.”

source: ING Renault