Post by blacktulip on Apr 23, 2009 8:36:43 GMT
From ITV sport
Fernando Alonso is convinced he can still challenge for a third world title in 2009 following the “incredible” progress Renault has already made with its R29.
The Enstone-based squad admitted it had been disappointed with its performance at the opening two races, in which its only points finish was a fifth place for Alonso in Australia, but the introduction of an interim double diffuser and new floor in China transformed its fortunes and the Spaniard qualified on the front row.
And although his chances of achieving a similarly strong result on Sunday were scuppered after the race started behind the safety car – his light fuel load meaning he had to pit early, before eventually finishing ninth – the former world champion took great encouragement from the step forward.
Indeed while he is already 21 points behind title leader Jenson Button after three races, he believes that he isn’t out of the title mix yet if Renault can continue to improve from this weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix onwards.
“Hopefully we can repeat the performance we showed in China [this weekend] so that we can reach Q3 and fight for points in the race,” he said.
Fernando Alonso is convinced he can still challenge for a third world title in 2009 following the “incredible” progress Renault has already made with its R29.
The Enstone-based squad admitted it had been disappointed with its performance at the opening two races, in which its only points finish was a fifth place for Alonso in Australia, but the introduction of an interim double diffuser and new floor in China transformed its fortunes and the Spaniard qualified on the front row.
And although his chances of achieving a similarly strong result on Sunday were scuppered after the race started behind the safety car – his light fuel load meaning he had to pit early, before eventually finishing ninth – the former world champion took great encouragement from the step forward.
Indeed while he is already 21 points behind title leader Jenson Button after three races, he believes that he isn’t out of the title mix yet if Renault can continue to improve from this weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix onwards.
“Hopefully we can repeat the performance we showed in China [this weekend] so that we can reach Q3 and fight for points in the race,” he said.
