Fernando Alonso on Madrid, his future and the legacy he is most proud of
Fernando Alonso arrived at Madrid media day in a relaxed mood, with a new track to learn and a home crowd to enjoy. "It is going to be a very nice weekend, with the privilege of racing two times in Spain," he said. "New track so it is this challenge for everyone to learn the track as quickly as possible in practice."
He has already driven the layout in the simulator, and expects to be more competitive here than he was at Monza last weekend, a track that never suited the Aston Martin. "There is a lot of kerb riding, not an easy track, the grip level is a question mark."
Racing in the Spanish capital clearly means something extra to him. "Madrid first of all is one of the best cities in the world," he said. "To have a Grand Prix and to welcome [Formula One] here is incredible. For any driver, to win here would mean a lot."
Alonso was quick to play down his own chances of doing exactly that, drawing some laughter in the room as he admitted he is unlikely to be in the mix for the win this weekend, though he added that you never know what the future holds.
He has won in Barcelona before, but it would be a very different story for Aston Martin to challenge at the front in Madrid. Points, though, are not out of the question. His future beyond this season remains just as open.
"I need to think what is the best programme for next year, and sit with the team, whether behind the wheel or in another role, what will help the best," he said.
Alonso has yet to confirm whether he wants to stay in the sport beyond the end of this year. Much of the grid is now set, and with it, few seats left for him to move into if he did decide to go elsewhere.
However, he appears to be under no pressure to make a decision. Asked what matters most when he looks back on his career, he pointed not to results but to what he leaves behind at home.
"The biggest legacy for me in my career is the change in Spain, from F1 to karting, single-seaters, different Spanish teams racing in single-seaters, my museum in Spain," he said. "There are many things outside the car that make me proud about my career."
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