McNish: Renault can get more points this weekend.

Renault F1 'third driver' Allan McNish talks about the return to Europe, racing at Imola, the tifosi and more...

''There used to be a perception that the season didn't really start until Imola, because the results of flyaway races weren't always representative of team performances in the year to come. Back in Europe you're on tracks you've tested on, and most teams have got over their new-car blues.

''This year it's different. The grid has been turned around a fair bit - no one is quite where they were expected to be, and McLaren and Ferrari haven't yet run their new cars. The tifosi used to turn up even in the early 90's when Ferrari were going through that awful period, so the team's poor start to 2003 won't affect attendance.

''The tifosi are part of the big attraction of racing in Italy; their enthusiasm is just amazing. The other great attractions are the food and the weather. However, at the moment the weather is cold there, which could be interesting. We haven't yet seen Michelin versus Bridgestone in those conditions at a grand prix this year. So far Michelin has been pretty much ahead of the game, and it's Bridgestone that needs to catch up.

''The Circuit Enzo e Dino Ferrari demands power for its uphill sections and good brakes with decent cooling, so they stay good throughout the race. There are so many places where you feel like you come to a complete halt. That means the chassis has to have good traction too, for the exit out of slow corners. Another important factor is the car's ability to ride Imola's wide kerbs.

''I'm confident about the Renault at Imola. We weren't caught out by the power demands of Interlagos, because we made time in the infield. So again we should be able to put in a top-six to top-eight performance.''

Allan McNish.

For more on Allan McNish go to his official website - www.allanmcnish.com