Alonso stays cool in Brazilian heat

SAO PAULO (AFP) –

Spanish Formula One driver Fernando Alonso negociates a turn in his Ferrari during free practice at Interlagos speedway in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Alonso remained calm and cool in the heat at Interlagos on Friday as he worked through his programme of preparation for Sunday’s title showdown Brazilian Grand Prix.

Fernando Alonso remained calm and cool in the heat at Interlagos on Friday as he worked through his programme of preparation for Sunday’s title showdown Brazilian Grand Prix.

He finished fifth fastest in the morning and sixth in the afternoon practice session, but dismissed any suggestions about form pointers.

“It was very hot out on the circuit today and, especially this afternoon, the track temperatures were well above normal, even for this circuit,” said the Spaniard, who is the only driver who can prevent Sebastian Vettel claiming a third title.

“We have not yet found the ideal balance on the car, so there is still a lot of work to be done with the engineers going into the rest of the weekend.

“The predictions are for very different conditions from Saturday to Sunday, further reason to concentrate on the best choices when it comes to preparing the car for qualifying, but especially for the race.

“After so many Fridays, there is nothing much new to say about the tyres: the hards appear to be more consistent, while the mediums produce a quicker lap time.

“It’s hard to say if we prefer rain or the dry: as I said before, it is vital to be prepared to tackle both situations.

“We know we have to score 14 points more than Vettel for the championship and not lose the same number to McLaren to maintain our second place in the constructors’.

“So we know our targets are clear, but also difficult to achieve.”