Question: Do you make an effort to discover your surroundings at a race, or do you stick to the airport-hotel-track-airport itinerary?
Fernando Alonso: It depends on how much time I have and when I arrive. For European races it is difficult as I usually arrive at the last minute. At flyaway races we can sometimes see a bit more of the places we visit, as we usually arrive a little earlier.
Question: What’s your exercise regime over a race weekend? Does it vary according to the race location, demands of the circuit etc?
Fernando Alonso: Over a race weekend I do not do any exercise - apart from driving the car! Most of my preparation is done in the winter - that is when I develop my basic fitness. Then, in between races I continue with lighter training and the sports that I enjoy: running, tennis, swimming and cycling. In the days before the race, I will do some light stretching, but nothing more.
Question: What’s your preferred accommodation at races - city hotel, hotel near the circuit or your own motorhome near the paddock?
Fernando Alonso: A hotel close to the circuit is ideal. There may be nicer hotels in the city centres, but local hotels are the most convenient and I don’t usually have to wake up too early!
Question: Do you enjoy entertaining friends and family during a race weekend?
Fernando Alonso: Sometimes it is nice to bring friends to the races, such as here in Monaco. My family will visit some races in the season and it is nice to have them close to me, but they have to fit in with my routine and I do not really have time to entertain them.
Question: Any drivers you particularly like hanging out with?
Fernando Alonso: I get on well with a lot of the drivers, but we are all so busy that we don’t really spend time hanging out together. Sometimes I will play cards with Robert Kubica or Giancarlo Fisichella - that’s always fun.
Question: How do you spend the morning on race Sunday?
Fernando Alonso: I try to have a calm morning at the track so that I am well prepared and ready for the race. I usually have some commitments for the team with appearances and meeting guests of the team. After that I have a massage to help me get warmed-up, and then hang out in my room in the team’s motorhome to keep my concentration.
Question: How do you like to spend the hour or so before the race? Any superstitions or pre-race rituals you always go through to bring you luck?
Fernando Alonso: I will have a massage to make sure I am relaxed, comfortable and ready for the race. Like most drivers I have some superstitions - repeating routines when I have a good race, things like that.
Question: If things don’t go your way and you retire early, do you prefer to get away as soon as possible, or hang out and watch the rest of the race?
Fernando Alonso: I don’t leave early as I like to stay and support the team. And I need to know what happens, so I will watch the rest of the race.
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