Formula One news

Alonso not making any predictions

Fernando Alonso is still not making any predictions about whether Renault has made a major step forward from its test at Barcelona last week, instead playing down his chances until the real order becomes cler this weekend.

"After the first three races, it was clear that we were not at the level of the leading teams," Alonso said. "We were missing some speed and the car was sometimes unstable in the quick corners and under braking. The team has made big efforts with improvements to the aerodynamics and with the level of mechanical grip. We had the chance to work through these on the track at Barcelona last week, and the first results proved encouraging. But it remains to be seen how much our competitors will have improved by as well."

"I think that once again it will be a very competitive race," he added. "All the teams and drivers know the track very well, so it is difficult for the driver to make a difference at this level. I hope that our hard work will pay us back and that our car will allow us to catch up with the other teams, although it will certainly not be easy. Qualifying once again will be essential, and we will have to be well placed to try and score the maximum points."

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