Jarno Trulli:Q: When arriving at a circuit you have never visited, how much preparation can you do? JT: Our main preparation comes on Wednesday or Thursday when we do our circuit walk with the engineers: before that, you can discuss some points, but a map can only really tell you which way the corners go. The test will come on Friday, because we will be learning the circuit, deciding about tyres and trying to set the car up: for sure, that will be a big challenge.
Q: And what about visiting Bahrain for the first time: are you excited? JT: For sure: it will be my first time out in the desert, and in the Middle East, so I am anticipating an interesting week. The circuit will definitely be one of the best we go to in terms of facilities, and we can expect safety standards to be very high. There will be a lot of new experiences in the city as well, which is always something to be enjoyed.
Q: Hot conditions are expected, although a little cooler than in Malaysia: the car seemed to perform well in high temperatures? JT: The R24 seemed to go well in Malaysia, but we did see the handling change quite a lot with the temperature, and we were slightly surprised by what happened during the race. But we have learned from that, and overall the car performs well in high temperatures: it will be a hard race, just like in Sepang, but we can be quite confident I think.
Q: First impressions have suggested the track could be very slippery, and windy conditions may see grip levels varying throughout the weekend: as drivers how can you cope with this? JT: The main key is to be adaptable: the only circuit you can drive on is the one you find at that particular moment. It definitely makes our life harder, because we are used to racing in predictable conditions during the race, and we make set-up decisions accordingly. Whatever happens though, we must deal with it and adapt - that is always true during a race, but it may prove to be even more so in Bahrain.
Fernando Alonso:
Q: A new circuit, but also a new country: have you visited this region before? FA: No, never. It will be interesting for everybody, I think: for sure, adapting to the circuit and the technical side will be a challenge, but it will also be an interesting week away from the track: every time you visit a new country, you learn something new, see new things and have experiences that are different from home. It is one of the nice things about Formula 1, visiting new places and new cultures. I am looking forward to it.
Q: In terms of learning the circuit, how long will it take you normally? FA: To be honest, there is no substitute for lots of mileage: the more you do, the better you will know the circuit. But under this year's rules, we are much more restricted than last year with the Heathrow testing. All in all, after ten or fifteen laps, you normally feel comfortable with the circuit, and know which kerbs you can use.
Q: In a weekend where the teams are mostly starting from a level playing field, what factors are the most important? FA: To be honest, it's the same as usual: a combination of getting everything right. You need the right tyres, a good car, engine, the drivers cannot make mistakes and also some luck. I don't think the factors change just because it is a new circuit.
Q: And overall, what are your feelings on how the team will perform? FA: Bahrain will be similar to Malaysia in terms of tyres and cooling, so I think we can be confident in those areas. It will certainly be a tough race for the drivers. But beyond that, who knows? It is really impossible to make predictions but, with even more work to do than usual, the weekend will need to run very smoothly to fight at the front of the field.
