Alonso expecting 'incredible and immediate' reaction from McLaren

©McLaren

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Fernando Alonso admits that McLaren-Honda is now very much on the back foot just two weeks from the start of the 2017 Formula 1 season.

Following another difficult day of testing which demonstrated once again the limitations of Honda's power unit, the Spanish driver derided the Japanese manufacturer, insisting that big decisions at the top are now necessary to resolve the situation.

"It [progress] will depend a lot from the big decisions that have to be made at the top,” he said.

"I believe the main goal is to get to Australia in the best possible conditions, something that we haven't be able to achieve in the first six days of testing.

Alonso lashes out at Honda - no power or reliability!

"We have two days left, one per driver, to try fundamental things in the car and start to unlock the power we have inside the engine, to arrive in Australia with a medium/high level of reliability that will allow us to finish the race with as few problems as possible and with as much engine power available as we can get out of it.

"The second priority is to be competitive, to eventually be in the battle for the top five, get to the podium and win races – everything we dreamed off for this year.

"For that, hopefully we get the big decisions that will change this situation. I expect an incredible and immediate reaction from the team."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.