Fernando Alonso will return to the team he famously fell out with in 2007, but he is more determined than ever to make things a success this time.
The Spaniard will partner Jenson Button at McLaren for 2015 to lead the Woking team into a new era as a works team with Honda as its exclusive engine supplier.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, he noted that success won’t be instant, but it’s not something he’s concerned about at present despite rumours he has agreed ‘performance clauses’ in his contract.
“I am joining this project with enormous enthusiasm and determination, knowing that it may require some time to achieve the results we are aiming for, which is no problem for me,” said the two-time champion.
“Over the past year I have received several offers, some of them really tempting, given the current performance of some of the teams that showed interest. But, more than a year ago, McLaren-Honda contacted me and asked me to take part, in a very active way, in the return of their partnership – a partnership that dominated the Formula 1 scene for so long.
“McLaren-Honda’s repeated and open desire, perseverance and determination in making it possible for me to join their exciting renewed partnership, have been some of the main factors that made me take this decision, not forgetting the most important factor of all: we share a common objective and expectations, and there is a very solid future, with confidence, ahead.”
Alonso revealed that he agreed the move from Ferrari over a year ago and has therefore had time to familiarise himself with the team and their new partner, Honda.
“I have had in-depth discussions with all the senior people at both McLaren and Honda, I have viewed their fantastic facilities in both the UK and Japan, and it is clear to me that, together, McLaren and Honda are in the process of beginning what is sure to be a long and successful partnership. And I intend to give 100% effort to help make it exactly that.
“Finally, I want to thank the persistence of those who have fought so hard for this to come true. I will do everything in my power to deliver for everyone and for our team, based on a formula that has always worked for me: effort, sacrifice, perseverance and faith.
“We have time, we have hopes and we have the necessary resources. Let the legend return: that is our challenge.”
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