Alonso happy with 'linear progress' at McLaren

Fernando Alonso's seventh-place finish at Spa demonstrated McLaren-Honda's advancement in the performance hierarchy, but the conditions under which the result was achieved also made the Spaniard happy.

Alonso took full advantage of a double-bill of chaos at the start fo the Belgian Grand Prix, with a VSC period followed by a full Safety Car deployment during which the McLaren had progressed from last to fourth !

Alonso eventually settled for 7th, probably the best he could do and a result which enabled McLaren to leapfrog Toro Rosso in the constructor's standings.

"We overtook Toro Rosso in the championship but I think Williams and Force India are too far ahead of us," Alonso said.

"We got 30 points in 12 races, so it’s difficult for us to score 40 or something in the next eight, but we’ll try to keep this position in the championship and see what happens."

The 35-year-old double world champion had a big smile on his face in the media pen, elated with his result but also by glad with the pleasure he took, as well as upbeat about his future prospects.

"I’m happy with how the whole weekend went, because in spite of the many engine changes we are keeping our linear progression really well.

"And it’s also a good sign we are having quite a bit of fun in the races. I am optimistic for the future.

"And now we are coming to tracks that are less complicated. Except Monza, which is really a difficult track for us."

Belgian Grand Prix - quotes of the week

F1i's driver ratings - Spa-Francorchamps

RACE REPORT: Rosberg wins at Spa as Hamilton recovers to third

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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.