Alonso aiming for Singapore podium finish

Unsurprisingly, in the immediate aftermath of 'Crashgate', Fernando Alonso remains hushed over last year's controversial Singapore Grand Prix but believes that a podium result is a realistic goal for the second Formula One night race on the streets of Marina Bay.

Alonso retains his 2008 win in Singapore City, despite Renault team members having been found guilty of fixing the result with use of their other car. However, the former double World Champion is focussing solely upon this season's event.

"I like it 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 curbs," he said of the corner now named 'Singapore Sling' after the well-known national cocktail. "Overtaking isn't easy in Singapore but there are some opportunities."

Other corners have also been named ahead of this year's race; Turn 1 will be known as 'Sheares' in honour of the Benjamin Sheares Bridge - home of a four-lane carriageway - running over the top of it. Also, Turn 7 is labelled 'Memorial' due to being situated near the War Memorial.

"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," Fernando added.

Source: http://f1.gpupdate.net

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