Fernando Alonso: Three years without a “normal” winter

Fernando Alonso has made headlines in recent days between his commitment to IMSA aux 24 Heures de Daytona avec United Autosports et la confirmation de son programme avec le Toyota Gazoo Racing WEC and 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The double Spanish world champion will return to his stable in the coming days F1 McLaren, before the presentation of the future MCL33 on February 23 and the start of winter testing on February 26.

The old pilot Ferrari will take its first laps with the Power Unit V6 turbo / hybrid Renault, first runs that Alonso hopes will be significantly different from those contested with the Honda engine, often struggling during winter sessions over the last three years.

“I think that with the Renault Power Unit, it will be a little better and easier this year on several points, explains the Spaniard in a video produced by F1. We must not forget that the last three seasons, we have not had a “normal” winter.

We had difficulty getting the car to run, and we arrived in Australia in the unknown with the package. It will be different this year. »

Alonso also counts on a McLaren team always impatient to return to a level more in line with its history and its ambitions. The three complicated years spent with Honda have confirmed that the troops are united according to the Iberian driver.

“We had difficult times, we learned things, sometimes the hard way, because we had painful withdrawals, but now the team is ready to be at its best.

The most important thing during these three years has been the spirit of the team: they never give up, they are united, constructive, work hard even to find half a tenth for the next race, or fight for 16th place. This spirit was remarkable. »

Mercedes has no guarantees

2017 demonstrated the return to form of Scuderia Ferrari, with a Mercedes team which had for a long time had to deal with a W08 that was difficult to operate at the start of the season. The start of the championship could always hold surprises according to Alonso.

“In terms of results, it will be hard to predict. It’s still F1, it’s not a mathematical sport where you can know in advance. Everything can happen. Even the favorites or the world champions Mercedes cannot have any guarantees for the coming year that they will be the fastest.

We are quite optimistic. We know what Red Bull can do with the Renault engine. They may not be the fastest in qualifying, but they are fast in the race. They got on the podium, and won races. If we have these results, if we are in the fight, and if we can taste champagne again, we will be happy. »