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Friday September 25, 2009

Alonso aims to prove a point with podium finish

SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX
SEPT 25-27

FERNANDO Alonso is determined to get a podium finish in Singapore and put the storm over his controversial victory here last year behind him.

The Spaniard was cleared of any wrongdoing in the Renault race-fixing row that saw his team hit with a two-year suspended ban from the sport.

But his win last year, which was at the centre of the scandal after teammate Nelson Piquet junior deliberately crashed on team orders to help Alonso take the chequered flag first, has a hollow ring.

Alonso, tipped for a move to Ferrari next season to replace Kimi Raikkonen, began in 15th position but after making an early pit stop to refuel, Piquet crashed into a wall, prompting the deployment of the safety car.

As Alonso’s rivals then gradually disappeared into the pits to refuel, he catapulted himself into the lead and went on to win his first race in a year.

“I like Singapore because it’s quite challenging and there are some interesting corners like the high-speed chicane at Turn 10 where you have to carry a lot of speed and use the kerbs,” he said, without going into the row.

“Overtaking isn’t easy in Singapore, but there are some opportunities.”

Despite the drama of the past week that saw team principal Flavio Briatore banned for life and chief engineer Pat Symonds suspended for five years, Alonso’s focus is on the race.

“The car is working well at most circuits so I believe we are competitive enough to get close to the podium, which has to be my target this weekend,” he said. — AFP

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