Brazilian GP – McLaren won’t leave without a title!

McLaren is perhaps experiencing one of the most important Grand Prix events since its existence. The tension between the team’s two drivers is immense, and this may be the most nerve-wracking aspect for Ron Dennis in Brazil on Sunday.

Alonso and Hamilton can win the GP, just as much as Räikkönen, but it’s their positions in the race that will draw all the attention. Sure, Brazil is a legendary circuit, but it’s a real trap, especially if it rains, which seems to be forecasted for this weekend. Therefore, safety should be prioritized, but Alonso and Hamilton don’t see it that way.

Fernando Alonso

Interlagos reminds me of many good memories, as I won my two championships there. They were really two very different races, but that’s the characteristic of this circuit. It is quite bumpy, and you need to have good quality suspensions.

« There are many polishes that you take thoroughly, and with all the level differences, it is a circuit greatly appreciated by the drivers. »

« I am sure we are going to Brazil with complete equality between the two team drivers and, of course, cars capable of winning the championship. Even though I am only 4 points behind Lewis [Hamilton], I still need the circumstances to be in my favor to win a title that will not only depend on me… but I will do everything to make it happen! »

Lewis Hamilton

« China was a great lesson for me. I’ll try to remember it and do my job as a pilot, but since we left Shanghai, all I can think about is Brazil, and I quickly forgot what happened there. »

Interlagos is one of the circuits everyone talks about. There is a superb atmosphere thanks to all its motorsport fans and this very good track. From everything I’ve heard, Interlagos is not an easy circuit, and it’s my first time there… That’s why it will be a real challenge for me, and as soon as I get on the track, I will study it with the utmost seriousness.

« I had a great race this season with the team, and I hope Interlagos will be another one. The championship is still very open with only a 4-point gap, and I will do everything in my power to win the race. The rest, I cannot control. »

Martin Whitmarsh – Deputy Director McLaren Mercedes

The Brazilian Grand Prix is a very good ending to conclude this extraordinary Formula 1 season. Alonso secured a very good second place in China despite complicated weather conditions, which allows us to have our two drivers in the fight for the title!

This 2007 season has really been a big challenge for us. There were bad rumors… Particularly about their place in the team, but we can affirm that in Brazil, they will have the same chances to win the GP. And thus the championship.

« They have held their positions for a long time now, and the whole team is doing its best to ensure that it is one of our drivers who wins. »

« Given the situation of the GP, we don’t know what to expect weather-wise, but we hope there are no complications… especially to avoid accidents between the three title contenders. It’s truly a great end of the season, and we really want it to be fantastic for our supporters. »

Norbert Haug – Vice President of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport

Twelve years ago, on the Interlagos circuit, we began our partnership with McLaren in Formula 1, and even if some people think otherwise, I can affirm that since then, all our drivers have been treated the same way.

« The Brazilian track often shows good grip, but it has a major flaw… it’s bumpy. For the team, the hardest part will be finding the best grip in these conditions, especially when braking. »

We have won this race 4 times since 1995 and two years ago, we achieved a double victory… let’s hope this is a good omen for Sunday.

« The Brazilian Grand Prix beautifully concludes a 2007 season full of challenges for the team, which they overcame in an optimal way! I wholeheartedly thank all the team members for this, which is already a victory in itself!