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It was a return to home turf in manyways for the Spaniard. Twenty years previously, Fernando made his debut forRenault’s predecessors, Benetton, at the very same circuit. He also scored twohugely popular victories in the Spanish Grand Prix, in 2006 and 2013, and fivefurther podium finishes.
Fernando will return to the F1 gridfull-time from 2021.
How didit feel to be back behind the wheel of an F1 car for the first time in almosttwo years?
It felt amazing tobe able to drive these cars after two years and feel the speed again, howeverything comes so fast, corner after corner, the performance under brakingand all the things a Formula 1 car has to offer. To feel it once again feltnice.
(NB:last time Fernando drove a car was April 2019 – McLaren, Bahrain)
Did itfeel special to return to a car on home turf in Spain?
Of course. It madeit special to be back in Barcelona. I remember the year 2000, I drove theBenetton here with the Enstone guys. Now, in 2020, it’s with Renault, so it’s aspecial track and I have lots of good memories here. It’s a track I know verywell, so it’s been a good day.
Whatwas the programme for today?
Most of the daywas a little bit of filming with some drones on track and some action behindthe camera. At the same time, it was about working with the team to do a coupleof laps and for me to find comfort in the seat, the steering wheel and thepedals. These are things for next year which, over winter, could be very tight.It’s our first steps.
Whatare your impressions of the Renault R.S.20?
I think the carwas a nice surprise. We know the car is performing well at the last couple ofraces and I felt the grip and certainly good potential in it. The last time Idrove a Renault engine was in 2018 and I felt a step forwards, which is quiteimportant there. Everything felt good. I wasn’t able to maximise theperformance of the car because I’m not up to speed yet, but I’m happy with theday.
You’vevisited the team at Enstone twice and Viry once, now the test – are you feelingat home?
I felt at homealready from day one. There is this atmosphere at Enstone, and in this team,that everything is so simple and logical in everything they do. I’m comfortablehere with Renault. A lot of the people who worked today, worked as mechanics inmy days in the team. When you know the faces and the team, everything comes alittle easier.
Did youwatch the race in Germany, and how did it feel to see Renault’s first podium in10 years?
Absolutely, Iwatch every race. I’m in the weekend even from a distance. I follow every lap.The podium was very well deserved, finally. I’m so happy for everyone. Cyrilmight be a bit worried for the tattoo but, other than that, it was a fantasticmoment.
Did youcongratulate the team?
Yes, absolutely. Iwas waiting for the last lap. I was so happy for everyone. I wrote the messageand then had my finger on send until Daniel crossed the line. I didn’t want tosend it in case for luck reasons!
Cyrildescribed you as a hungry shark – did the result on Sunday make you feel evenhungrier?
I’m still the sameafter Sunday. I know what the team is capable of and I know the prospects forthe future are good. The podium is a thing that had to happen. Most importantthing is to follow the trend that we see now, keep the momentum into next year,especially for 2022, and I think we know how to do it.
