P8 representative of McLaren pace – Alonso

Fernando Alonso believes setting the eighth fastest time in FP2 is representative of McLaren-Honda’s pace ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix.

Having already been on the cusp of the top 10 during the opening free practice, the Spaniard was also the last driver within a second of Daniil Kvyat’s table-topping mark. Asked whether his Friday performance reflected his team’s actual potential, Alonso replied:

“I think so, I think we should be not too far from that position. The first three teams are quite fast, Ferrari, Red Bull and Mercedes and after that there is a group of cars and we are on those.

“So from seventh to 14th there will be three or four tenths tomorrow and we could be one of the first or one of the last. It depends on how we prepare for qualifying and how we put together the lap and the set-up of the car. We are working on that and try and be in the first of those positions.”

Coming off two very difficult weekends on power-sensitive tracks, Alonso is naturally pleased to be higher up the order but remains aware that Singapore’s unique layout masks his Honda-engined MP4-30’s still existing shortcomings.

“It is just this circuit at the moment. It is very different to Monza and Spa. Monza we cannot forget there are six corners and six kilometres of straight lines. Here, there are 23 corners and not many straights.

“I think for our characteristics at the moment and our deficit on power, Singapore is for sure a good circuit for the McLaren car. We have to deliver and take his opportunity.”

AS IT HAPPENED: Singapore Grand Prix FP2

2016 F1 driver line-ups so far

Click here for some of the most memorable crashes at Singapore

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