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Heidfeld targets Alonso scalp

Renault is looking to stay in touch with Ferrari © Getty Images

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• Race:
• Canadian Grand Prix

• Championship:
• FIA Formula One World Championship

• Drivers:
• Fernando Alonso
• |
• Nick Heidfeld

• Teams:
• Ferrari
• |
• Renault

Nick Heidfeld says he is targeting beating Fernando Alonso to fifth place in the drivers' championship.

Renault made an encouraging start to the season with two podiums from the first two races, but has so far failed to match the development rate of Ferrari as they both chase Red Bull and McLaren. Heidfeld's eighth place in Monaco moved him back above Nico Rosberg in to sixth in the standings, and he said that despite the 40 point gap, overhauling Alonso was his overall aim.

"I think it's quite a long distance if you look at the points," Heidfeld said. "But nevertheless that's my target; I believe it's the teams target as well to move forward. I think that right now we're not in the strongest position but on the positive side we still manage to score points and I know that we have learned and understood a lot about the car over the last couple of weeks and there's development coming. It will not be here this weekend in one go, but I know that we will move forward and hopefully quicker than the others."

Heidfeld also said that qualifying was an area he was looking to improve on having started the last two races in 15th and 24th places, but that there would be opportunities to gain positions during the race in Montreal.

"Of course it always helps to have a good qualifying. I think here in Canada overtaking is possible anyway, and we are obviously working hard - everybody in the team - to improve on all parts; on the car, on qualifying, and looking forward to maximising the potential there as well."

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