US GP: Fernando Alonso believes F1 points finish is realistic
Fernando Alonso believes McLaren has a realistic chance of scoring points in the United States Grand Prix due to the success of its latest Formula 1 chassis and engine upgrades
The two-time world champion has only scored points twice this season, at Silverstone and the Hungaroring, but he believes a third top 10 finish of the year is achievable at Austin this weekend.
"I feel happy and confident in the car," said Alonso.
"It seems we are a little bit more competitive at this circuit compared to previous races.
"We have a very nice opportunity this weekend to get some points and we have to maximise that.
"Yesterday we had a first read on the upgrades and everything seems to be working as expected again.
"So it's another step forward, another step closer to the position we want to be.
"There is still a long way to go but I'm happy with the car so far this weekend, and I really think we have an opportunity to get some points."
Alonso believes his position early in the wet FP3 session was a more accurate representation of McLaren's competitiveness than the 14th place he occupied by the end of the session.
"The first attempt, when we were with everybody on the track, we were P6," he said. "Maybe that is too optimistic.
"But eighth, ninth, we can quite easily be. P14 I'm not happy with, hopefully tomorrow we can have a good position.
"Hopefully we get the chance in qualifying and the race to show our potential that I believe is better here than at previous races.
"This track is a little better for us, and the wet conditions equal a little more the power effect.
"Then the improvements on the car are always working, and moving the performance closer to our competitors.
"Top 10 would be quite an achievement if we can do it, but today I felt happy and confident in the car so I am looking forward to tomorrow."
Share Or Save This Story
F1 2019 game includes official driver transfers for first time
F1 testing: Toro Rosso's Albon on top, Mercedes starts to show pace
Michael Schumacher's top 10 F1 victories
Alonso’s idea to ‘save’ F1 before the V8 return – and how realistic it is
What's behind the talks between the FIA president and Alonso over ADUO?
Alonso is right to sound the alarm about F1 - but history seems to be repeating itself
The pointed note that starts Ferrari's Leclerc vs Sainz era
Albon: No point 'wallowing about' over lost Red Bull F1 place
The small change that will be F1 2021's big talking point
Why Max Verstappen says 0.196s Baku finish-line gap to George Russell is slightly misleading
Not quite "plain sailing": Baku's late-race chaos almost cost Russell victory over Verstappen
Briatore to reflect on necessary action after Colapinto's "poor" Baku blunder
BTCC Silverstone: Doble takes qualifying race victory as series leaders struggle
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments