Alonso : 'Zero - minus zero - regrets about missing Monaco'

©McLaren

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For McLaren to rejoice over Fernando Alonso's P7 performance in qualifying yesterday is a testimony to how low expectations have sunk at the Woking-based outfit.

While the results offers perhaps a glimmer of hope for McLaren-Honda with regard to improving its prospects, Alonso still doesn't have a shred of regret about substituting Monaco for the Indy 500.

"About Monaco, [I have] zero -- minus zero -- regrets," he insisted once again.

"I will race the Indy 500, one of the best, or the biggest race in the world.

"There are six cars, two Mercedes, two Ferraris, two Red Bulls that will be unbeatable for the next couple of races so to fight for P7 in Monaco, no thanks."

While McLaren-Honda's dismal track record speaks for itself, Alonso will still give it his very best this afternoon, with hopes to see - finally - the checkered flag.

"I am more or less confident," he said.

"Obviously I don't have 100 per cent confidence because in four races we have four DNFs. Friday was a difficult day also with another failure so you know, it's not that you go tomorrow and you are 100 per cent confident but I'm pretty sure that we keep learning with the things which are happening to the car so at least I have a good feeling for the race.

"I said on Friday that some weekends start on a good way then everything goes in the wrong direction and some other weekends starts wrong and by whatever point of the weekend gets right -- I had that feeling Friday.

"In qualifying everything went right and I still have the feeling that in the race everything is going to be okay so I am confident on that."

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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.