The sensations of Fernando Alonso on the first day of competition at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez have been found. The pilot of McLaren suffered in the first practice session due to the low ambient temperature and the track and could only be 16th with a time of 1:23.089. In the second session, as in weather conditions more normal, Alonso managed to finish within the top 10, clocking a 1:21.003 in his best lap. His afternoon session, however, was emborronada by two significant details.
The most striking occurred during the final stretch, when Sebastian Vettel was found with the pilot spaniard on the track while both were engaged in a race simulation. Alonso did not concede his position, opening even the DRS and Vettel came in to go over in a curve. After that, the German turned to the radio for to qualify as “idiot” to the Spanish rider, which assessed that communication to be asked by the press: “Nor will I give a lot of importance, it sure has a great frustration on your part and the Ferrari”.
The second detail, before the incident with Vettel and relevance in their performance, it was a problem with the brakes caused him to miss a large part of the free seconds, and can give only 25 laps.
“We’ve had some anomalies with the brakes. That’s why we stopped, to be able to follow tomorrow looking for benefits. The three tires have had a lot of degradation, but this situation will improve a lot in the face Sunday. They have to anticipate what will happen”.
In general, Alonso welcomed the day in a positive way, despite the fact that the pace was not the desired one with some low temperatures that could be played over the weekend: “The sensations are good, we know that Fridays are always difficult, . The track is super slippery and el asphalt was not in a position, I had a lot of land. We try to test some more things out of the car, but we don’t touch the tires until the second session”.
Regarding your options in classification, Alonso has preferred to remain cautious, pointing out that the mileage of your current engine will be a drawback to reach Q3, and expects to be able to leave on Sunday from the sixth row on the grid.
“it Is early to tell. For the moment we are among the top ten, but we already know that the cars with Mercedes engine will always gain a few tenths on Saturday. I am with the old motor, so to get into Q3 would be a surprise. We are going to do the best job possible. Will not be easy, but we are clear that the eleventh or twelfth square is our pole virtual”.
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