Q&A: Jarno Trulli and Fernando Alonso.

Renault duo Jarno Trulli and Fernando Alonso look ahead to this weekend's Australian Grand Prix, the opening round of the 2004 Formula One world championship, and discuss how they think they will go, the Albert Park circuit and more...

Q:
Jarno, you have been coming to Melbourne for six years now. What are your best memories from the city?

Jarno Trulli:
Melbourne is always a special race because it marks the start of a new season, and we all arrive with big hopes for the year ahead. We also arrive early to adjust to the time difference relative to Europe, meaning we get to spend time in the city, and do some training outdoors. The atmosphere is fantastic too: the organisers do a great job welcoming us. Personally, I will be attending a karting event with the Australian Trulli Karting Drivers in Geelong on Tuesday: it is always fun meeting young drivers, and seeing their enthusiasm.

Q:
The team has announced ambitious targets for 2004: does that bring you added pressure?

JT:
Not at all. The team management decide our objectives, and they didn't get them wrong in the past two years. But from a driver's point of view, we push no matter what: unless we are giving maximum effort, there is no point being there. The objectives for the year don't change that in any way.

Q:
And what about your objectives for Melbourne?

JT:
Talking about performance before getting to Melbourne is pointless: we don't know exactly how fast our rivals are and, until we do, how can we say? So far, we know that the R24 is quick in all circumstances, and the engine is performing well. I enjoy the circuit at Albert Park, especially the quick chicane at Turns 11 and 12, and the car will be good there. Every driver dreams of starting the season with a win, and maybe this time, we will be closer than ever before. But like everybody else, I'm looking forward to Sunday and finding out for sure!

Q:
Fernando, This time last year, you had never scored a point; now you are a GP winner. What's different from your perspective?

Fernando Alonso:
The most important thing is that I go to Australia with more confidence: I know the car, the championship, what it is like to be in a top team. Last season, I had just spent a year on the sidelines testing, so I was apprehensive and not completely sure how things would go. This year, my approach is very different: I feel much more at ease.

Q:
How will the R24 be better at Albert Park?

FA:
The biggest improvement is definitely the engine: we have been reliable throughout testing, and have more power. But everything else has moved forwards too: Michelin have made big progress over the winter with the tyres, and the car has better driveability. The team has done a great job: 100 per cent of our package is stronger.

Q:
What moment of the weekend are you looking forward to most?

FA:
The nice thing about Melbourne is that we get to spend some time in the city before the race. We have a trip to Tokyo for Mild Seven beforehand then will go to Australia to get used to the conditions, and do some promotional appearances: Jarno and I are playing tennis in the city centre with John Alexander and John Fitzgerald (Australian Davis Cup captain) on Wednesday. There will be lots to do, but all of this just builds towards Sunday: I'm waiting for the lights to go out so we can go racing.

Q:
And finally, imagine it is Sunday evening and you are looking back on the race. What result would you be happy with?

FA:
I don't know, it's so difficult to predict before we all run. Let's say a podium...