Fernando Alonso says a double points finish at the Singapore Grand Prix is McLaren’s aim after conceding that the leading six drivers are “too far away.”
Alonso will start from eighth position at Marina Bay, one spot ahead of team-mate Stoffel Vandoorne ninth, with some of the MCL32’s weaknesses masked at the circuit.
“The first target of having both cars in Q3 has been achieved, so 50 per cent of the job is done,” said Alonso.
“Now our second target is to get both cars in the points tomorrow, which I think is possible from these starting positions.
“Race pace here is always a bit of a question mark; it’s difficult to read.
“Yesterday’s long runs were not long enough and, added to the difficulty of overtaking on this track, positions will be more or less set after the first lap.
“That means we need to concentrate on making a good start and having a clean first corner. After that I’ll keep focused and not make any mistakes.
“It is a very demanding race but hopefully we can bring some points home.
“The first six cars are too far away in terms of race pace, so our aim will be to defend our positions and possibly climb up to seventh.”
Vandoorne believes McLaren fell slightly short of expectations in Q3, having dropped behind Renault rival Nico Hülkenberg.
“We were always on the pace throughout Q1 and Q2, but perhaps we lacked that little bit extra in Q3 compared to our rivals,” he said.
“But nonetheless it’s been a smooth and solid effort from the whole team.”
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