Formula One news

Alonso aiming to spring Monaco surprise

Fernando Alonso is in confident mood heading to this week's Monaco Grand Prix, and the Renault driver is hoping to spring a surprise result in the Principality, despite admitting that his team is still behind Ferrari, McLaren and BMW. Alonso has won the last two Monaco races.

"In Turkey we showed that the progress we made in Spain was not simply a coincidence," Alonso said. "I scored three points, although it's fair to say that the problem Heikki had at the start of the race helped me. These are three very important points and it's proof that we are improving and fighting back. There is still a lot to do before we can fight at the front, but we are moving in the right direction and we are more determined than ever to get there."

Heading to Monaco Alonso said, "I have some good memories there because to win in Monaco is very special for a driver. It's a race that I enjoy because the atmosphere is unique and driving through the town is very exciting. It's also a race where you cannot afford to make any mistakes, and this year the race promise to be very interesting."

"We have progressed, but we are still behind Ferrari, McLaren and BMW," he added. "Even though Monaco is a circuit where the driver can really make the difference, a good car will always be an advantage and makes things easier. But we will try and spring a surprise and make the most of our opportunities. At the moment we are fighting for seventh place, but, as we saw in Istanbul, it is possible to do better if one of the favourites has a problem. We therefore need to be ready for any chance that comes our way."

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