New McLaren has Alonso 'excited and apprehensive'

©McLaren

Fernando Alonso knows how much is at stake not only for McLaren but also for himself in 2018 as he considers the prospects of the team's new MCL33.

The Spaniard, whose endurance ventures with United Autosports and Toyota have probably helped him achieve more mileage this year than during the last three years of racing in F1, has high hopes of returning to the first tier of the grid this season.

And while he's excited and raring to go, there's also a fair amount of trepidation in the air.

"My winter has felt somewhat shorter than usual, as I’ve already been in the cockpit for a 24-hour race, and several sports car tests!" says the two-time world champion.

"That said, I’m really looking forward to getting behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car for the first time in three months.

“Looking at our new car, I feel incredibly excited – but also apprehensive. I know just how important this car is to the team, and I just hope that it delivers in the way we all want it to."

And here is McLaren's new 'papaya orange' MCL33!

The MCL33 is an evolution of last year's car which Alonso considered at one point as the best chassis on the grid.

"If we’re able to develop the key strengths of last year’s chassis and marry it to an improved Renault power unit, then I think we’ll be able to take a step forwards.," he adds.

"The car certainly looks very neat and well thought-out, and I think the new colour looks really great; really eye-catching.

"I just want to get behind the wheel now!"

Alonso's team mate, Stoffel Vandoorne is equally impatient to hit the track, the Belgian hoping the team will enjoy a relatively trouble-free two weeks of testing in Barcelona to facilitate the timey development of the MCL33.

"From my perspective, I really hope we can start the season with a stable platform that we’re able to develop quickly and easily," says the 25-year-old driver.

"It would be great to have a smooth few weeks of winter testing, and to go to Australia feeling confident about the year ahead.

"I’ve been training hard all winter and feel as ready as I can be to get back into the cockpit. I’m fit and focused, but I’m also relaxed, because I think we’ve had a very productive winter and have designed a very capable new car.

"I can’t wait to put it to the test."

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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.