Alonso will fight for third place

Fernando Alonso had a good free practice session at Suzuka, setting the second time, 0 behind Jenson Button's reference time (174). The pilot of the Team thinks he can improve his pace by a few tenths but he does not expect to be able to display the same performances as Red Bull, the Red Bull being very comfortable on the Suzuka circuit.

If the drivers quickly make mistakes by overdriving, the double world champion still hopes to improve his best time. “I am convinced that all the drivers will be able to improve, even if Suzuka is a circuit where exit from the track is immediate if the limits are exceeded,” confides the Ferrari driver. “I'm sure I can still get a few tenths, particularly in the Esses of the first sector. We always think we can improve this sector in the next round. »

The Asturian still seems resigned to the performances expected by the RB7s at Suzuka. If Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber were slower than the Spaniard?s F150° Italia today, they should show a better pace tomorrow. “This season's tires only offer one flying lap, we only have one chance, but I'm sure I can do a perfect lap tomorrow in Q3”, adds Fernando Alonso. “We will decide our goals based on my position on the grid. I want to fight for the podium for these last races. But we know that Red Bull is very strong, especially on Saturdays. The normal result for them on this type of circuit is a double, so we will have to fight with McLaren for third place. »

Discover in your AUTOhebdo magazine n°1825, currently on newsstands, our revelations on the 100% French team that Renault almost created, as well as an interview with Nico Rosberg.