Hungary GP: A Victorious Ground for Alonso

Exactly six years ago, also with Renault, Fernando Alonso won the Hungarian GP, the first of his career and the first for the French constructor since its comeback. Since then, a lot has happened, including two titles in 2005 and 2006, then a stint with McLaren, only to eventually return. Much like last year, a return to the top is possible. In Germany, the R29 was very fast, but the most important thing remains the qualifications.

All the more reason, overtaking will be difficult during the race with only one real opportunity at the end of the pit straight. Alonso is therefore throwing himself wholeheartedly into this new battle with the necessary resources both physically and morally.

Fernando, despite the fact that you only scored two points in Germany, the R29 seems to have taken a step forward…

We have certainly improved our competitiveness thanks to the latest new solutions brought to the car. It’s really a shame to have missed a good opportunity in qualifying because starting the race 12th on the grid, I wasn’t able to show the real speed of the car in the first part of the race. When the track was clear ahead of me, the R29 was really fast and I set the fastest time 11 times. So I think we had the potential to make it to the podium. I know, it’s always a bit easy to talk about what could have happened, but scoring only two points was disappointing.

The next race will take place in Budapest, on the circuit where you won your first Grand Prix. Do you still enjoy returning to where it all started?

« The memories of my victory in 2003 are very dear to me, especially since it was Renault’s first victory since the brand returned to Formula One. It really motivated the whole team and boosted everyone’s confidence. I have always enjoyed Budapest, it’s a very beautiful city and the people are friendly. The atmosphere in the paddock is quite relaxed because everyone is happy to be on vacation after the Grand Prix. »

Tell us about the circuit and the car’s setup…

« It is one of the slowest circuits of the season and you are almost constantly in a turn. The race is quite demanding mentally and physically, especially because of the high temperatures. With so many slow corners, it is important that the front of the car is very stable because in case of exaggerated understeer, you can lose quite a bit of time. Good traction and good mechanical grip are also important to negotiate the exit of slow corners. It is very difficult to overtake on this circuit and the only real opportunity is in turn 1, at the end of the main straight. It will therefore be important to maximize our performance during the qualifying session to start the race in the top ten on the grid. »

According to a statement from the Renault F1 Team