Fernando Alonso is happier now he has had a break since the Chinese GP where he managed to secure P4, despite starting a place higher behind the two Red Bull’s – much of this was down to his jump start which meant he had to serve a drive-through penalty.
Although not satisfied with the result in Shanghai, he has had time to reflect on the opening four rounds of the championship.
Alonso currently holds third place in the championship, level on points with Lewis Hamilton and 11 points behind leader, Jenson Button, but he noted the important thing is he’s a contender, unlike in his previous two years with Renault.
“I wasn’t happy with things Sunday night in Shanghai, but now, with a cool head, I can be really satisfied with this start of the season,” Fernando said.
“We didn’t always gain what we could have according to our potential, but we’re fighting for the title and this is what counts more than anything else, considering that in the last two years after four races it was already clear that I didn’t have a chance.”
The Spaniard has suffered several engine issues this season, most notably the failure in Malaysia. He isn’t worried though, and is confident the team will fix the problem soon.
“The problems with the engines? I’m not worried at all, I know that the team is working hard to fix them and I’m convinced that I’ll have a reliable and strong engine available, just as I know that they are giving it their all in Maranello to introduce several new solutions for the F10 for the Spanish Grand Prix.”
The F1 circus moves to Alonso’s home grand prix in just under two weeks time, where he expects a big turnout.
“I will race there for the first time with a Ferrari, so the grandstands will be covered in red, I’m pretty sure about that, just my fans from Asturias might contrast to it a little, because they’re usually dressed in blue.”
