McLaren team boss Eric Boullier says he's excited to see what Fernando Alonso can do from last place on the grid after team-mate Jenson Button showed the pace of the car by making it through to Q3.
Alonso took a 45-place grid penalty for an engine change ahead of the weekend and was therefore guaranteed to start last. Alonso completed just a few laps and qualified slowest, knowing he would be starting last. Meanwhile Button secured P9, which Boullier commended.
"Jenson drove superbly in qualifying, extracting the absolute maximum from the car after a difficult and unpromising first day’s practice," he said. "It’s a testament to the work of the whole team that we managed to transform our fortunes overnight.
"With Jenson, it was fun and satisfying to be able to really attack all the way into the closing minutes of Q3. It’s definitely a sign of what’s to come from the McLaren-Honda partnership."
Boullier admitted it's frustrating to see Alonso start last when the car has shown good pace, but is excited to see what the two-time champion can do on Sunday.
"While we knew ahead of the race weekend that Fernando would face a large grid penalty, there’s still an element of frustration in seeing what could have been. Nevertheless, we placed all our focus today on the race.
"While he starts 22nd tomorrow, I have absolutely no doubt that he will not be in that position at the end of the first lap.
"I’m reminded of his spirited charge at this race last year, and I’m certain that he will be on the absolute attack from the second the lights go out. I think everyone will be watching to see just what he can do."
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