Alonso: 2017 performance pegged to aero choice, not power

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McLaren's Fernando Alonso believes that success in 2017 will be determined by aerodynamics rather than engine power.

The Spanish driver is confident in Honda's ability to deliver marked progress at the outset, but the onus will rather be on chassis design and aero genius this season.

"Let's say that Mercedes, the top power, will be difficult to reach, we know that - not for us, but for everyone," said the Spanish driver.

"But I think we can be close enough that we can fight. I'm 100% confident we will reach the power that we want to reach, on aerodynamics I think it is more of a question mark."

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Formula 1's new rules will have designers and engineers interpreting the regulations according to their understanding and inspiration.

Some will inevitably get it right while others will get it wrong.

Alonso says the new regulations offer precisely an opportunity to bridge the gap, or at least partially, if McLaren finds itself on the right side of the prevailing engineering choice.

"When there are new rules you can be lucky or unlucky," Alonso added.

"It depends on how every team interprets the rules, how the philosophy of the car goes.

"Maybe you choose to go right and someone in the paddock chooses to go left and you find in race four or five that your package aerodynamically goes to the left because you started wrongly.

"Hopefully we are one of those who does the job from the beginning."

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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.