15 Minutes with Fernando Alonso

November 02,2004

Young, cool, and on the way to the top, Mild Seven Renault F1 driver Fernando Alonso was recently in Manila as the star of Circuit Rush—the annual Mild Seven Formula One party. Despite his hectic and busy schedule, we managed to sit down with the 24-year old as he talks about this life, his team, and his future in the sport.

The youngest Grand Prix winner at 22, the Spaniard remains soft-spoken, composed, and unassuming during the entire interview at the Manila Peninsula Hotel (for proof, read the interview). He remains cool and calm, despite the sometimes awkward or even controversial questions. That said, after 4 years in the sport, he remains a kid at heart with his cut-out, rugged looking jeans and cool-white sneakers.

JA: Congratulations on your solid 4th place at the inaugural Chinese Grand Prix. With your current pace do you see yourself clinching the runner-up for the manufacturer’s race for Mild Seven Renault?

FA: Yes. I think that our cars are well suited to the last 2 races, particularly in Suzuka, a circuit which I particularly enjoyed driving in. There’s a big chance that we will overtake BAR for second place.

UA: You belong to the small set of people who actually get the chance to drive an 800 horsepower F1 car. Can you describe how it is behind the wheel?

FA: It’s not easy to describe it in words. All I have to say is that it feels fantastic. You press the accelerator and the brake, and everything works instantly. The levels of grip provided by the Michelin tires are phenomenal as well. Still, it is a handful to drive. The smallest error or twitch of the steering wheel can make the difference where you make the turn or not. It separates the men from the boys [smiles].

JA: How do you feel about the changes around your team? Especially this close to the end of the season. Do you feel that Mild Seven Renault has done the right decision in getting Jacques Villeneuve?

FA: I just drive. I do everything that I can for the team. It was a team decision, and if the director says that it’s important to be solid, then I trust their decision.

JA: How is Jacques Villeneuve to work with?

FA: He just entered the team during the hectic weekend in Shanghai, so I haven’t really gotten the chance to talk to him. He’s a great driver though.

UA: The last race you’ve been to was in China, and the next one will be Japan. How would you compare the enthusiasm of F1 fans in Asia compared to say, your home country?

FA: Funny you ask that. They are completely different. Here in Asia, I could still afford to go out for a walk without getting that much attention. However, in Spain, it’s crazy. You can’t even go to the mall without getting yourself mobbed. It seems that everyone wants your autograph or something. The traffic here is a different matter though [laughs].

JA: Is there time for love for Fernando Alonso?

FA: [laughs] No. Formula 1 is something I love doing, and right now all my time is devoted to that.

UA: So how do you spend your free time, especially during the winter break?

FA: I do a lot of sports. I love movies too. I make it a point to go back home—my family is a big fan. They try going to my races, especially in Europe. Otherwise, they would watch in on the television with friends and neighbors. In fact, my dad gave me a call whenever I would finish well. He was so excited when I won my first race in Hungary last year.

JA: Speaking of your father, he read that he was your first manager, mechanic, and mentor. Would you tell about your early years?

FA: He’s certainly not my manager [laughs]. I only had a manager 3 years ago. But yes, he helped me a lot during my early years. He is the one who introduced me to the sport with my first go-kart. He would also be the one fixing it when it breaks down. It’s every simple to repair anyway. Before, we would drive from race to race in different countries so that I could compete. I wouldn’t be in Formula One if not for my father.

UA: We’re always wondering…what’s inside Fernando Alonso’s garage? Given your status, you probably give your dates a dream ride each time you go out.

FA: I have the new Renault Megane. I also have the Vel Satis. But I love my Renaultsport Clio—the one with the mid-mounted V6 engine. It is wonderful to drive [smiles].

JA: What can we expect from Mild Seven Renault and Fernando Alonso in 2005? Would be finally be able to see a Spaniard World Champion?

FA: We are continuously developing the car. We will certainly do better compared to this year. I haven’t really driven with Giancarlo Fisichella before, but I think we become a formidable combination. Certainly I hope to become World Champion. Let’s see how things will go.

Interviewed By Ulysses Ang and Jason Ang | Photos By Ulysses Ang and Jason Ang

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