Alonso targets Ferrari challenge later this year

Fernando Alonso claims that McLaren-Honda can target top-five finishes later this season and even take on the fight to Ferrari in some races.

The Spaniard is coming off a challenging Italian Grand Prix weekend where he finished 14th and one lap down from race winner Nico Rosberg.

However, Alonso is confident the remaining seven races will suit his MP4-31 better than power track Monza.

“In general we did not have the pace in the race and we were never in the points,” the 35-year-old said of his performance in Italy. “We knew it, we expected this before here so it’s just a confirmation.

“From Singapore onwards I think we should be in the points regularly. Some races like Abu Dhabi and Austin, we can be in the top five and fighting with Ferrari, so good times are coming.”

Despite a difficult outing in Italy, Alonso still made the headlines when a late pit stop allowed him to clock the fastest lap of the race.

The double world champion, who will partner Stoffel Vandoorne at McLaren in 2017, admits this was of little relevance but still enjoyed pushing his car on low fuel and fresh tyres.

“It was a good feeling, obviously we had new tyres at the end and the last two laps we maximised the grip, but it doesn't change too much because it was a circuit that we weren't competitive at. But it was a good sign that the car was performing well.”

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