Fernando Alonso says the example set by Valentino Rossi is an inspiration to him as he seeks success late in his F1 career.
Rossi missed out on the MotoGP championship at the final race of the season last year at the age of 36, while he is currently third in the standings this year. For Alonso, race wins and championship challenges have been on hold since the new power unit regulations were introduced in 2014, but at 35 he believes he is driving better than ever.
“I don’t think that my time in Formula 1 is over,” Alonso told Motorsport.com. “I think I am driving at my best level now, and I have knowledge about the cars and the technical situation that allows me to push the car a little bit more to the limit.
"I’m very calm about the situation, I have a contract next year with this team again.”
And Alonso says Rossi's recent form - following uncompetitive years at Ducati - shows him he can be successful again if McLaren are able to provide him with a car capable of challenging for victories in the near future.
“After some years that you are not fighting for the championship but you keep going, going, going, you know, sooner or later you will show your talent – as Valentino is doing now.
“That’s a kind of inspiration for us. You need to trust in yourself, and when you have the bike or the car that performs at the best level you will be there. Because you cannot forget how to ride a bike, or how to drive a car, in two or three years.”
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