F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Alonso sees strategy advantage in starting P11

Fernando Alonso believes his 11th place grid position is actually something to look forward to, although he admitted that qualifying just outside the top ten should not be an achievement to be celebrated.

Alonso's P11 means the McLaren driver will have a free choice of tyres tomorrow, an advantage he is hoping to put to good use.

"This was probably the best position we could have dreamed of today, because we get a free choice of tyres for the race," explained the Spaniard.

"I’m starting on the clean side, so a lot of things have gone our way today. We were not quick enough, unfortunately.

"A couple of races ago we were entering Q3 and fighting for 7th and 8th places, which was nice. Now we’re fighting for 10th, so it’s probably better to be 11th."

The former world champion recognized that his McLaren's pace was not good enough for him to fight further up the ranks on his own merit.

"We’re struggling a little bit for pace and I think it will be the same thing for the remaining races. For us P11 is the best possible position, so I’m happy with today’s performance but we need to understand why we’re not as competitive as we were recently.

"We’ve put everything into the 2017 car so maybe we’re paying the price for that decision. Tomorrow everything will be unknown, so we have to go into the race with an open strategy."

Pirelli is recommending a two-stop race, with Alonso expecting to start on the Soft tyre compound before running a longer distance on the Medium rubber, avoiding completely the less durable SuperSofts.

But circumstances or changing conditions may entice McLaren to play a wild card on the strategy front.

"The SuperSoft has been degrading a lot in the practice sessions, so it would be very risky to start with it tomorrow.

"But the track is improving and there's a better feeling with the tyres, so we'll see. We have that possibility that the top 10 don't have so we'll try to seize it."

"As far as I’m concerned if I finish ahead of Jenson that’s all I want," concluded the Spaniard tongue-in-cheek, with Button standing by his side.

15 minutes with ... Nico Rosberg

Silbermann says ... Masked in Mexico

Chris Medland's 2016 Mexican Grand Prix preview

2017 driver line-ups so far

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.

Recent Posts

Hamilton delighted with ‘consistently strong day’ in Vegas

Lewis Hamilton was particularly happy with his opening day of running at the Las Vegas…

19 mins ago

Verstappen stuck with 'draggy' rear wing for Vegas

Red Bull fears that its prospects for this weekend's Las Vegas Grand Prix - which…

1 hour ago

Ferrari and Mercedes admit to plank changes based on FIA’s TD

Ferrari and Mercedes have both modified their car’s floor element in Las Vegas to comply…

2 hours ago

Las Vegas GP: Hamilton continues on top in second practice

Lewis Hamilton put Mercedes on top of the timesheets for the second time in Las…

3 hours ago

2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix Free Practice 2 - Results

Full results from Free Practice 2 for the Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas,…

3 hours ago

Leclerc confident Ferrari ‘has a shot’ at F1 Constructors’ title

Charles Leclerc believes that Ferrari has a genuine “shot” at beating rival McLaren to Formula…

4 hours ago