Alonso: “There was a hole in the engine”

The image of the McLaren-Honda MCL32 n°14 Fernando Alonso stopping at the side of the runway, with a plume of smoke, then oil flowing freely, marked the start of the day in Barcelona this Friday morning.

A new disillusionment for the Spanish driver, who has just returned from the United States after completing his Rookie Orientation Program in preparation for the Indianapolis 500.

“The engine wasn’t good enough yet. We came out of the pit lane and there was a hole in the engine, and the oil was leaking. It exploded after 400 meters. » Alonso explained in the paddock, cited by Reuters.

The double world champion, however, quickly moved on to something else, playing a game of tennis, before completing 21 laps in FP2 for the 20th time. “At least I managed to practice.”

When I found out I had two hours until the next session, I decided to do this. I have spent very little time in the last few weeks training, and I am still 100% committed to my physical condition and preparation. »

Image question

The Honda Performance Development subsidiary in the United States will be at the center of all attention this May with the prospect of the Indianapolis 500, where Honda continues a success last year with Alexander Red. The presence of Fernando Alonso on the 2017 edition will also give even greater exposure to the brand.

If HPD is enjoying a good number of successes, the situation seems far from that currently encountered in F1, where Japanese engineers do not seem able to quickly resolve the weaknesses of the V6 turbo / hybrid Power Unit, offering a less than stellar image of Honda.

“It's not my reputation, it's theirs, comments Alonso. And it's their money, and their image. I try to drive as fast as possible, but it's a much bigger problem for them. »