Alonso dresses down Honda and warns Toro Rosso!

Fernando Alonso put in a spirited drive to eighth in Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix but was unimpressed once again with the power delivered by his Honda engine.

The McLaren driver spent the better part of the afternoon chasing Felipe Massa's Williams but ultimately failed to mount a proper attack on the Brazilian as he struggled on Interlagos' main straight.

Once again, the Spaniard pointed the finger at Honda and at its down-on-power engine, an ominous sign for Toro Rosso next year he said.

"We had a fantastic car but we cannot overtake, the lack of power today was amazing," Alonso said.

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"In Mexico the same. I was very, very close to Felipe a couple of times on the exit of the last corner, but even with the DRS he was pulling away.

"The lack of power is quite worrying for Toro Rosso next year."

Alonso worked overtime in the race to try and overhaul his direct rival while also remaining ahead of Force India's Sergio Perez.

At the end of the day, the two-time world champion was happy to maintain his position, even surprised by the feat. But clearly, the season can't end soon enough for the McLaren stalwart.

"Today when someone uses the DRS it must be 40 or 50, so it's pretty incredible that we finish in front of some cars.

"The lack of speed today was alarming. Only Abu Dhabi left and another complicated year ends. Hopefully it's the last race we have to race in these conditions."

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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.