Q&A: Jarno Trulli, Fernando Alonso & Allan McNish.

After a double retirement and non-start at Magny-Cours, Renault F1's trio of regular drivers are looking to set matters straight when they turn out for the team's second home race of the season at Silverstone this weekend.

Jarno Trulli and Fernando Alonso dropped out of the French GP within a lap of each other two weeks ago, while Allan McNish vacated his usual Friday morning role so that the team's second test driver, Frenchman Franck Montagny, could run in front of his home crowd. All three will be hoping that 'normal service' is resumed at Silverstone...

Q:
Jarno, you have performed very strongly at the last two grands prix, how confident are you for Silverstone?

Jarno Trulli:
I am feeling optimistic - with the car we have, at this circuit, I think we have to be confident. I have been a little unlucky in the past two races, but I have performed really strongly, and that is satisfying. Now, I must carry on doing a good job with the team and the engineers, and I know we will get there.
Q:
Allan, you tested for three days last week in Barcelona. How did it go?

Allan McNish:
Our programme in Spain had two aspects. Firstly, there was the tyre programme, which was critical for the British Grand Prix. Secondly, we also conducted some general development of the car. Overall, we did a tremendous number of laps, and found a number of areas of improvement with the tyres and car. I think we will go into Silverstone in good shape.

Q:
From a driving point of view, what is the key to being quick at Silverstone?

JT:
The usual things - a good balance on the car, and finding the right compromise between the mechanical and aerodynamic sides. I think Stowe is one of the most important corners, and also the slow section through Brooklands and Luffield at the end of the lap.

Q:
Many drivers say the Becketts complex is the most enjoyable part of the circuit. Is that true?

Fernando Alonso:
I don't have a particular part of the circuit that I like more than the others - I just enjoy the whole track! Around one lap, you have every type of corner, from high to low speed, hard braking points, and also some changes in gradient. Any driver enjoys a lap around Silverstone because, to be quick, you have to respond to every different kind of challenge possible.

Q:
What are the challenges for a driver at Silverstone?
AMc:
These days, Silverstone can be considered to be a circuit of two halves. The first section is very, very quick - from the start all the way through to Club Corner, with fourth, fifth and sixth gear corners - but, for the rest of the lap, corner speeds are much lower. It requires good aerodynamic efficiency, mechanical balance for the lower-speed sections, and decent power for the straights. Watching a car through Becketts to Hangar Straight is one of the best places to see a Formula One machine in action - the speed, the change of direction - it is so quick that it always looks extremely impressive!

Q:
In terms of car set-up, what are the important factors?

FA:
The most important set-up area is performance in the high-speed corners - the car has to be perfect through them to set a quick time. The new aerodynamic package will definitely help with that, and we should also be good in the low-speed sections. At a circuit like Silverstone, the aerodynamic improvements will definitely provide a bigger step here than at some other places. Also, Friday morning testing will be useful for finding some solutions with the tyres and set-up according to the conditions we will have during the weekend.

Q:
Weather conditions can have quite a dramatic effect on performance at Silverstone. What do the drivers do to cope?

JT:
We adapt! Changing conditions are something we just have to live with at Silverstone, and we adapt accordingly. We know there could be anything from rain to sun in one race, and just have to be prepared to tackle what the weather throws at us.

Q:
Allan, this is your home grand prix - will it be a special feeling even though you are not racing?

AMc:
Driving at the British Grand Prix is always a special feeling, and that does not change just because I will only be out there on Friday morning. I went to Silverstone as a spectator when I was young, and there is a special crowd and atmosphere. The enthusiasm is a unique feeling, and I feed off it. I am just looking forward to getting out there on the track, and enjoying the weekend.

Q:
Fernando, you have been living in Oxford for over a year now. Is this like a second home race for you?

FA:
When you race close to home, it is always a special feeling, and it feels a bit like that for Silverstone. The British side of the team is based nearby, which will bring us a lot of supporters, and I live close to the circuit, so there is some extra motivation to do well. It will feel a bit like another home race - and the last one didn't go too badly!