Fernando Alonso has predicted a strong final stint of this season for McLaren, including being "just behind" Red Bull by the final round in Abu Dhabi.
While he believed that this weekend's Italian Grand Prix will be "the most difficult race of the year" for McLaren, he felt also that "from [the next round in] Singapore onwards, we will enjoy these coming races."
"The car I think is capable to be in Q3, both McLarens, both in the points, every single race from now on," he said of that final part of the year.
"I think Singapore, Suzuka, Austin and especially Abu Dhabi we will be very good. Because even last year we expected a lot in Singapore and we were OK but not as good as Austin for example and especially Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi for whatever reason was very very strong for us last year. So I'd imagine this year we can really enjoy that."
When asked where he thought the McLaren would be in Abu Dhabi, he said "let's try to be just behind Red Bull."
When asked too if Spa was a confirmation of McLaren being on the right track, he said that "no, the biggest confirmation will come soon."
As for this weekend in Monza Alonso as noted was more pessimistic, saying that "being in the points I think will be completely unexpected." He confirmed that this is mostly due to the McLaren's power deficit. "[It will be] only power – there are six corners [here]."
