Alonso expecting another close mid-field battle

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With McLaren-Honda still unable to challenge for top honors, the Woking outfit is forced to battle it out with the mid-field runners, and Fernando Alonso is expecting once again some tight action in Canada next weekend.

The Spaniard succeeded in putting his McLaren in the top 10 during qualifying for the last two races, and even scored points in Russia and in Monaco.

In Montreal the two-time world champion is determined to further progress up the ranks, but admits hard work on the part of his team is still very much necessary.

“Monaco was a positive result for us; to get both cars home in the points and to keep the chasing pack behind us was very satisfying, but we know there’s still a lot of work to do," Alonso explained.

"There’s really strong competition emerging at the front of the grid, as teams are getting stronger and pushing their development.

"It’s a really tight pack in the midfield, and a different team seems to have the advantage at each circuit, so it’ll be a tough battle against our nearest rivals both in qualifying and the race."

Alonso will be hoping to capitalize somewhat on the momentum of the good result achieved in Monte-Carlo, but the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve lay-out on the Ile Notre Dame provides challenges of its own in terms of driving and set-up.

"We’re definitely making progress, but until we’re fighting at the front, we still need to keep pushing and constantly developing.

"Montreal is a completely different challenge to Monaco, so I hope we can quickly adapt our package to this circuit and maintain our recent form, but it will certainly be a tricky and unpredictable weekend."

Regardless of his prospects, the McLaren driver, just like his colleagues is a big fan of the Canadian venue.

"I really like spending time in Canada and going to North America. Although it falls within the ‘European’ season, the atmosphere does feel quite European – the people are friendly, the food is great and it’s a melting pot of different cultures."

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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.