European GP chat

[Chrissie]

Press Conference Schedule for the European Grand Prix:

Thursday, June 24, 1500 hours local time (1300 GMT):
Jaime Alguersuari (Toro Rosso), Fernando Alonso (Ferrari), Pedro de la Rosa (BMW Sauber), Vitantonio Liuzzi (Force India) and Vitaly Petrov (Renault).

Friday, June 25, 1600 hours local time (1400 GMT):
Aldo Costa (Ferrari), Colin Kolles (HRT), Vijay Mallya (Force India) and Peter Sauber (BMW Sauber).

Surprise, surprise, all three Spaniards are going to be in the press conference

Quote:"Winning my home race would be fantastic"

The Spanish Ferrari driver, Fernando Alonso acknowledged that "it would be fantastic" to win at home in the Grand Prix of Europe, held this weekend at Valencia and has said not to worry about the changes in the leadership because they were "fairly predictable".

The Spaniard, currently fourth in the championship, hopes to reward his fans next Sunday, June 27, in the urban layout of the city of Valencia.

"It's very difficult because there are four teams ready to earn and fight for victory, so the leadership changes were fairly predictable," said double world champion, who hopes to have a 'competitive' race in Valencia.

In addition, Alonso said it is logical that they are always located in the top three. "In Turkey we had problems, but it's not normal because we have sought to be on the podium at every race and the podium remains our objective but to win at my home race would be fantastic," he said.

Alonso added that he "was fortunate to have two races in Spain." "It's always exciting to compete in front of your own people and this is the second in my country, it is very beautiful, near the sea and where we all had fun. It is enough to leave the paddock to be in the city," he said.

Source: lavanguardia.es

Quote:Alonso, shielded in Valencia
Ferrari limits the public appearances of the Asturian and only 70 lucky fans will be present at the signing session

Getting an autograph from Fernando Alonso at the F1 European Grand Prix will be almost impossible. Ferrari wants to shield its star driver and isolate him from his fans. The Italian team has limited the public acts of Alonso, who will not participate in the official signings to be held next Thursday. The team argues security reasons, according to the organization, fearing that a flood of followers will descend upon the Ferrari pit-box to get a signature from Alonso, as has happened on other occasions. Only 70 lucky fans will have the opportunity to get the autograph of the Spaniard, and they will be chosen by a contest on the official website of the street circuit, valenciastreetcircuit.com.

Source: levante-emv.com

They better not be planning on doing something similar at Monza.....I think I will actually cry if I don't get to meet Fernando

[icegirljenni]

Why did they do that, i thought they restricted all drivers must participate in this autograph signing session.

[Chrissie]

That's what I thought too, jenni but apparently they are allowed to do it based on security grounds.....I'd imagine it'll be a similar story in Monza then, with all them tifosi

[icegirljenni]

Security? If security has to be an issue, then they should do it at Barcelona. tsk tsk hopefully they did not do so at Monza... poor Chrissie hope will be crash into pieces

[Chrissie]

Maybe security was an issue in Barcelona and that is why they are doing it now?

Anyways, here's an interview with Fernando and Gollum:

In conversation - Bernie Ecclestone & Fernando Alonso

[Chrissie]

Here's a link to the press conference for anyone who's interested....

FIA Thursday press conference

Nothing terribly exciting in there but my favourite bit is probably the last question about the World Cup....

Quote:Q: (Jaime Rodriguez - El Mundo) For all of you, are you following the World Cup and for the three Spanish drivers, what do you expect tomorrow in our match against Chile?
FA: Yes.
JA: Yeah, yeah, we follow. Spain. We will win.
FA: Easy, easy, easy. We will win. That’s for sure.
PdlR: Against Chile or the final?
FA: Chile, if we don’t win, we don’t deserve…
PdlR: Ah, I think this year is a big one for us in the World Cup. I’m very happy that Fernando already has the red T-shirt on. We will do well. I really support Spain, very, very much. I like their attitude and how the players are approaching it.
VL: I will let you know in a few hours if I follow it again. For sure we have a good chance but we will see.
VP: Yeah, I follow it but it’s bad luck the Russian team is not in the World Cup. Yes, I like watching Spain playing and I’m also living here, so I will also support Spain tomorrow.
FA: Good.

I like Fernando's confidence in Spain...not sure yet if he's maybe being a bit optimistic

And poor Tonio...I presume he is now no longer following the WC

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Oh, just found this...Kovy has to drive from Geneva to Valencia because of the air traffic control strikes in France

http://twitter.com/H_Kovalainen

Quote:I'm now driving down to Valencia from Geneva we couldn't get slot to take off so 1200km ahead overnight

Quote:I did the first stint 500km all cool, meeting few other people from paddock in the services. Like the old karting days drivin around Europe!

Let's hope he can make it to FP1....and that he won't be so tired he'll be falling asleep at the wheel tomorrow

[TheProdigalSon]

Looking good so far hoping for pole tomorrow if we can confirm we are strong in FP3.

[alonso 4ever]

really hope to see fernando in the front row....

maybe am so optimistic too!!!

still i think the bulls r faster but lets wait and see....