BUDAPEST – After months of frustration, Fernando Alonso is hoping to enjoy a competitive outing this weekend when he leads McLaren’s bid for points at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
The two-time world champion believes that McLaren-Honda’s strategy of focusing on the slow-paced Hungaroring circuit may give them a chance to climb off the bottom of the constructors’ standings.
“I think Monaco was a great track for us, in terms of the characteristics of it,” he said.
“But, I was not there! So, for me, it’s really the first time that I have had the possibility of hopefully feeling competitive.
“There is a possibility to be in (qualifying) Q3, and then in the points and if something happens, in front of us, to get even a better result than seventh or eighth – that is the maximum you can fight for at the moment.
“So, it’s definitely an important weekend for us. We pay some penalties in the last two races to arrive here with more freedom of engine choices and something more in the pocket. So, hopefully, it pays off this weekend.”
ALO: "It’s definitely an important weekend for us. We took penalties at Silverstone and hopefully it pays off this weekend" #HungarianGP pic.twitter.com/YjAeiQvgOw
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 27, 2017
Alonso missed the Monaco Grand Prix in May to take part in the Indianapolis 500.
McLaren believe the Hungarian race will give the team their best chance to score points in 2017 as the circuit characteristics will suit their package better than faster tracks, where pure power is more important.
McLaren are on course for their worst season in F1 after scoring only two points thanks to the Spaniard’s effort in finishing ninth in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.