Fernando Alonso: “A day that exceeds expectations”

What a reversal of situation at McLaren- Honda and to Fernando Alonso. In just over twenty-four hours, the British team and its Spanish driver went from further disillusionment after the Power Unit problems experienced in FP1 yesterday morning, to a clearly unexpected seventh place in qualifying.

The first presence of an MCL32 in Q3 since the start of the season brings a little smile back within the Woking structure and among the Honda engineers. “It's one of those days where everything is going well and everything comes together and exceeds expectations, comments Fernando Alonso.

I'm really happy, surprisingly happy, after the start of our weekend and our qualifying results so far this season. We weren't thinking about seventh place. »

Alonso makes the MCL32 shine, Vandoorne in difficulty

Ranked ahead of Force India and Sergio Pérez and Esteban Ocon and Williams of Felipe Massa, Fernando Alonso was able to benefit from a car reliable, and equipped with the latest developments brought by Woking.

“Even though yesterday we didn't drive much, the car worked very well as did the improvements, underlines Alonso. Today we put everything together and I felt confident in the car, despite quite windy and difficult conditions.

I need this confidence to attack and win these tenths in qualifying. I'm so happy for the team because these people work so hard. Being on the grid tomorrow among the cars with which we should be fighting all the time for the front will be a boost for everyone. »

The only downside on Saturday for McLaren was the poor performance of Stoffel Vandoorne, the Belgian being unable to make it through to Q1. The former GP2 Series champion admitted to not yet understanding this lack of pace in Catalonia.

“It seems like we lost a bit of performance compared to yesterday, and at the moment there is no real explanation, says Vandoorne. Today I struggled a lot in both sessions and I don't really know why. We need to analyze the data tonight and see what happened and what we can do for tomorrow. »