FERRARI DRIVER Fernando Alonso says racing in his home country is ‘very special’ ahead of the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix.
Alonso won the Barcelona race in 2006 en route to his second world championship title. And the 30-year-old, who sits fifth in this year’s driver standings, is hoping strong support from the locals will spur him to victory in Sunday’s race.
“Racing in Spain is something unique for me, and I only do it twice a year, in Valencia and Barcelona, and it’s something that I enjoy very much,” Alonso said.
“There is the support from everyone in the grandstand, there is the support from the whole country that you feel when you arrive in the hotel, when you see the news on TV.
“There is a lot of attention for that particular weekend, a lot of support, everyone wishing you the best. It’s a very good experience that you remember ever year, it becomes very special.”
Alonso believes competing in his home country will give him a slight advantage on Sunday. The Spaniard is just 10 points behind standings leader Sebastian Vettel after four races in 2012.
“I think you pay extra attention to the details in the car, the set-up, the preparation for the race, and you give it 101% at that weekend (when you race in your home country),” he said. ”I think the extra time lap comes at your home Grand Prix because you take care of everything with a little more attention.”
Alonso hailed his win at Barcelona in 2006 as ‘probably the best memory’ he has from any win, while he also took the opportunity to declare his pride in representing Spain in Formula One.
“I race with the Spanish flag always on my helmet, all my career, and I am so proud to represent the Spanish flag around the world and I feel proud of that,” he said.
