Alonso returns for Hungarian rerun
Fernando Alonso returns to the scene of his maiden grand prix victory expecting to challenge for win number two in his short Formula One career.
The Spaniard dominated last year’s Hungarian Grand Prix weekend, winning from pole position and memorably lapping world champion Michael Schumacher on the way.
He has yet to recapture that form and is still waiting for his second grand prix win in just his third season of Formula One.
But the Renault driver thinks the Hungaroring is the perfect place to prove he is no one-race wonder.
He said: “It is going to be a special race for me, I think. This was always one of my favourite circuits anyway, and it is a nice feeling to look back and remember last year.
“I am feeling confident. We were fast in Hungary in 2003; we have been fast with maximum downforce already this season in Monaco – so I hope we can have a good race, and maybe be in with a chance to win.”
The Hungaroring presents a particular challenge for drivers, with its twisty corners and dusty surfaces testing them to the limit.
Alonso, like many of his rivals, enjoys the unique challenge the circuit represents.
“What makes it fun to drive?” he asked.
“It is the style of the corners. They are quite slow, but very difficult to get right for the entire lap – you need a very precise style.
“Also, there are series of four or five corners where if you get one line wrong it affects all the next corners too, so you cannot make any small mistakes.
“It is high grip on the racing line and very low grip and dusty off it. You can attack in some parts of the circuit and need to be more cautious in others. The demands make it a big test for a driver.”
Scotsman David Coulthard is also a fan of the Hungaroring and he too hopes to get his season back on track this weekend.
Coulthard has been overshadowed by team-mate Kimi Raikkonen since McLaren introduced their new car.
But he is determined to match Raikkonen this weekend, with a first podium finish of the season on his mind.
He said: “I am looking forward to getting back to racing at the Hungaroring after the summer break, which as always was a great opportunity for everyone who travels to recharge their batteries and see family and friends.
“Overtaking is limited. But it is a circuit where you can build up a good rhythm, so it is enjoyable to drive.
“As we showed in Germany, the car is continuing to improve – and I hope I will be able to have an incident-free race and challenge for a podium finish.”
