Alonso: The show has not been good enough at some races

Fernando Alonso claimed to have no memories of his past races here at the refurbished Austrian circuit and in fact, the major changes to the facilities, new pits, new grandstands, new media centre, mean there is not much except the actual track layout that has stayed the same.

“I do remember it as very short,” said the Scuderia Ferrari man in today’s FIA conference. “There are only five or six corners where you can make up time, so I expect lap times to be very close, with one or two tenths making a big difference. Therefore we must aim for a perfect lap on Saturday.”

As usual some new parts will be fitted to the F14 Ts this weekend: “we will try them on Friday free practice and see which ones we can use on Saturday and which need more time,” explained the Spaniard. “I hope we have some good ones!”

Next up was the topic of Luca di Montezemolo’s comments regarding the need for a brainstorming session on the sport’s future.

“I think the President is right in a way,” commented Fernando.

“The show has not been good enough at some races this year and with one team dominating, the spectators want more excitement. It’s right that if the teams and fans have any ideas to have a better show then they should be welcome.”

The recent decision to reduce in-season testing again has good and bad points according to the Ferrari man.

“I know it is important to reduce costs, as it means more teams can survive, but on the other hand, this is the only sport with no training and for young drivers especially, it is difficult if almost the first time in the car is in Free Practice 1: that is unique to this sport.”

Finally, Spain’s departure from the football World Cup.

“I am surprised, but not disappointed,” maintained Alonso. “We have been winning for several years so sooner or later we had to lose. All we can do is say thanks to the team for everything they have given us over the last few years.”