THE FRIDAY PREVIEW
Fernando Alonso, Kimi Raikkonen and Michael Schumacher all entered into the
spirit of the Bahrain Grand Prix yesterday, and each of them is feeling
optimistic about their chances.
I dont think we are exactly where we want to be but we are in a much
better position than we were a month ago, admitted Raikkonen. I think we
have been quick sometimes, but Renault and Honda might be quicker than us.
It really depends if we get everything sorted out, in which case we might be
able to fight for wins. But we will just do the best that we can and see
where we end up.
Alonso looks relaxed and ready for the fight, and is determined to be one of
those rare champions who can repeat the feat the following year.
I think nothing has changed, he said of his championship success with
Renault in 2005, but obviously this weekend I will have number one on my
car so its dream come true and I will try my best again, all through this
season and try to repeat the success we had last year.
I am approaching it slightly differently because I always arrived at the
first race, in the past, thinking to be fighting for the races or to be on
the podium, winning races or something like that. Now I have much more
confidence in myself and am much more looking forward to the championship,
at the end, to be World Champion again. It doesnt matter how many races you
win, maybe. Its only a matter of being champion at the end and this is a
different approach.
It will depend on how quick the car is. It doesnt matter how motivated you
are because as soon as you start the race and the green lights go on, all
the drivers do their maximum, their best and sometimes you can do it and
sometimes not. I think the best thing is that we arrive ready again, the new
car is competitive and strong enough to be quick on race pace. I think we
are ready for the first race, well see what happens on Sunday.
Schumacher said that he prefers driving the V8 cars to the V10s. Its more
in harmony and its much sharper to drive.
Raikkonen agrees. I think it goes a bit slower in a straight line and the
corner speed is about the same as in previous years. I havent changed my
driving at all. You just try to go as quickly as you can. Of course, the
torque is not as much as in a V10 so there are more details in different
areas, but it hasnt really changed much.
Alonso, Raikkonen and Schumacher are three clear favourites for the 2005
title, but Schumacher believes there could be more. I think theres more
than three because Honda have two drivers. Also, we all have team mates so
its got to be a nice season for all of us.
