Formula One news

Alonso: "Tomorrow will be more difficult"

Fernando Alonso is refraining from excitement after setting the second fastest practice time at Istanbul Park on Friday afternoon. The Renault driver, World Champion of 2005 and 2006, moved to within just six thousandths of a second of Heikki Kovalainen in the last knockings but is keeping calm.

After a completion of 35 laps in the second session and a second-placed lap time of 1.28.847, Alonso used to session to analyse modifications to the diffuser of the R29 as well as general aerodynamic and tyre work. "Driving at Istanbul Park on the first day is never easy, as the track conditions are really poor and we always see the track evolve during the weekend," explained the 27-year-old Spaniard. "We just tried to get some laps on the car and evaluate some parts - rather than focussing too much on setup work - as we didn't want to get confused by the constantly changing track."

A points finish is a definite possibility for Renault after Friday, however, with Nelson Piquet also rounding off a positive day in the top ten. "There is more to come and tomorrow morning we will start our proper setup work," Fernando added. "Even though our position looks good today, we know that tomorrow will be more difficult."

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