Alonso and Vandoorne have high hopes for the MCL33

The leader of the British team, Fernando Alonso is a man in a hurry. In less than a week, the Spaniard went from cock to donkey; after a private test session in Portimao (Portugal) with the Toyota LM P1 here he is in Navarra (Spain) for a day of video shooting with the McLaren MCL33. “My winter has been shorter than usual, given that I have already completed a 24-hour event (the 24 Hours of Daytona) and several tests in Endurance. However, I am looking forward to getting back behind the wheel of a Formula 1 for the first time in three months. »

The Asturian, who will have a helmet with a vintage scent, feels “incredibly excited, but also worried. » “I know how important this car is to the whole team, and I just hope it does what we all expect of it. If we are able to develop the positives of the 2017 chassis and marry them to a power unit Renault progressing, I think we will be in a good place moving forward. »

The double world champion of the discipline is won over by the simple but historic decoration of the MCL33, just like his teammate Stoffel vandoorne. The Belgian lives “one of the most exciting moments of the season. » “For everyone at McLaren, it’s a car very important. From my point of view, I sincerely hope to be able to start the season with a stable base, which would then allow us to quickly and easily develop the car. (which has not been the case for the last three seasons due to a lack of reliability of the Honda unit). »

“It would be great to be able to experience the two weeks of winter testing with peace of mind, and to go to Australia at the end of March with confidence. I trained hard in the offseason, and feel as ready as possible. I feel at ease because I think I have a well-equipped car and we have had a productive winter. »

>>> Photos of the McLaren MCL33 <<