Alonso happy despite difficult test

Fernando Alonso has expressed his happiness with the new McLaren-Honda, despite a difficult first week of testing.

Alonso completed 32 laps yesterday, over 100 less than Mercedes’ Nico Rosberg, but the Spaniard is positive after the first two days were riddled with problems.

Team boss Eric Boullier said: “It was very important and a huge relief. It’s still not enough but it is better than nothing. We could have maybe had half an hour at the end but we decided it was getter to stop and focus on tomorrow.”

Alonso, who left Ferrari to re-join the team, is said to be impressed with his new car and is hopeful ahead of the new season.

Boullier added: “The driver feedback was very very positive. Fernando said the car was reacting well to changes and felt stable.”

Although Ferrari has been the fastest team over the test, Mercedes look every bit as good as last year.

McLaren-Honda aim to improve over the course of the year and hope to mount a title challenge next season.

Related topics