Points within McLaren's grasp in Austria, says Alonso

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Fernando Alonso believes there's no reason why McLaren-Honda can't repeat in Austria the points-scoring result it achieved in Baku.

The Spaniard, who delivered the team's first top-ten finish of the season in Azerbaijan, is optimistic as he heads to the Red Bull Ring where he hopes to keep the team's momentum flowing.

"I really enjoyed my race in Baku," Alonso said.

"Our performance in the race not only showed that the foundations of our car package are strong, but also that our operational team – our mechanics, engineers and strategists – are all racers, poised and waiting to take advantage of any situation.

"Two points may have been a small consolation after an extremely tough weekend, but, as I said at the time, we'll take it and use it to drive us forwards."

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Alonso's positive outlook is also determined by the qualities of McLaren's MCL32 chassis on the undulating layout as well as by an engine upgrade delivered by Honda.

"There are reasons to feel more optimistic about our weekend in Austria," Alonso said.

"It's a circuit that's not as dependent on power as some of the recent races, and I think our car will be better suited to the twists and turns of the Spielberg circuit. I think we'll be able to push hard.

"We've also got a couple of useful steps coming on the car, including Honda's revised Spec 3 power unit, which I tried during Friday practice in Azerbaijan.

"Every step is important, so I'm looking forward to a positive weekend where we can once again get everything out of the car."

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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.