Fernando Alonso says he will be in attacking mode at the Korean Grand Prix as all the drivers enter the unknown.
The Ferrari driver is 14 points behind title leader Mark Webber and, equal on points with Sebastian Vettel. Finishing ahead of the two Red Bull drivers is now a must else matters could become very complicated, says Alonso.
“In Korea we will have to attack because now we must close the gap to Webber,” said the Spaniard. “To lose any more ground would make the situation more complicated.
“I still think that the fight for the title is open for five drivers. Too many times this year we’ve seen someone come back into the game after they’d seemed out of it – and that could easily happen again.
“Having said that, perhaps the only one who can afford a bad weekend is Webber: for all the others it would perhaps mean giving up any chance, especially the ones who are a bit behind today,” he said in reference to the McLaren drivers, both of which have fallen further back in terms of points.
Felipe Massa will also play a pivotal role in Alonso’s championship fight, something the 29-year-old is keen to see happen.
“The Korean Grand Prix could therefore start to be decisive for some – and for me it will be important also to be able to count on my team-mate Felipe. I know that he will be really hoping to make up for two negative results and he has all the capacities required to return to the podium,” he added.
Meanwhile, Alonso says he has been working in the simulator to best learn the new Korean track.
“We’ve been working on the new track for a few days on the simulator: the first two sectors are very quick with long straights while the last sector reminds me of the last part of the circuit at Abu Dhabi.
“The tarmac is wide, which should make it possible to try overtaking moves.
“I’m always curious to discover a new circuit, both from a personal and professional point of view. From next Wednesday onwards I will try to discover if the simulations have been accurate enough. Then we will have a few more kilometres of running available on Friday compared to usual so we can find the right feeling on the track.”
Want to learn the circuit yourself? Check out Red Bull’s CGI track preview here.
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