Alonso: “A difficult weekend”

Fernando Alonso is not worried in Shanghai, on the eve of the first free practice sessions for the Chinese Grand Prix. But the Spaniard is realistic and knows that Red Bull et McLaren will be very successful this weekend. The Oviedo native expects to stay behind all weekend.

« Red Bulls remain favorites, confides Alonso to AUTOhebdo.fr. And McLaren will have an advantage this weekend, with its F-Duct. » Indeed, this air intake on the MP4-25 makes it possible to eliminate part of the aerodynamic downforce on the rear wing of the car, when the pilot decides. Thus, in a straight line, the McLarens go faster than their rivals and the Shanghai circuit, with two important straight lines, should suit the cars of Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton. “The weekend promises to be difficult,” says the Spaniard. However, Ferrari will also test the “F-Duct” system during the first free practice session of the Chinese Grand Prix. And the Spaniard clarified that? “ we are working on the F-Duct but not only ».

Regarding the engine problems of the first Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso is not more worried than his fans. The Spanish driver, despite his breakdown in Malaysia, will not have to use a new engine in China. The engine used during the Bahrain race will be reused in Shanghai. “ I'm not too worried about the engine situation because I know that on Friday morning, we will be using engines with high mileage. This will not change our plan for using the engines for qualifying and the race. »