Alonso relying on tyre management for points on Sunday

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McLaren's Fernando Alonso is banking on an optimal tyre stratgey to collect points in tomorrow's China GP following a performance in qualifying which leaves the Spaniard on the starting grid.

Both McLaren drivers failed to make the Q3 cut in the cold Saturday session, but Alonso considered a start outside the top ten and the free tyre choice it brings as a potential small silver lining given Shanghai's tyre degradation issues.

"Tyre degradation tomorrow is going to be high," said Alonso.

"It's supposed to be sunny and hotter tomorrow so definitely take care of the tyres, choose the right strategy - the right pitstop at the right time - will make a huge difference. Points are still very possible."

Vettel scorches the opposition for pole in chilly Shanghai qualifying

Regardless of Sunday's prospects, Alonso admits that McLaren needs to boost its performance in qualifying, the team's MCL33 suffering from a lack of straight-line speed, which encouraged the Spaniard and his team mate to give each other tows in Q2.

"In Q1 we were deciding who would give the tow to the other," Alonso explained.

"I finished ahead in Q1 so we decided I'd give Stoffel a tow in the first run and then he would give it to me.

"I guess it wasn't on TV when I gave it to him because they never show that, but when he gives it to me, they do show it.

"We tried to gain a few tenths there, but there's still a long way to go. We knew it was very few days from Bahrain to here so let's see if in the next one we can be in Q3 in normal circumstances.

"We seem to be a little bit slow on the straights compared to the main competitors, so I think there is a potential to develop the car in that direction."

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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.