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Alonso optimistic of stronger race performance

19:05, 28 Apr 2018

byJake Williams-Smith

Fernando Alonso is hopeful of a stronger performance in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after a difficult Saturday qualifying saw both McLaren's almost a second slower than their rivals with Renault power units.

Alonso lines up 13th while his teammate Stoffel Vandoorne will start the race from 16th on the grid, both drivers at least two seconds away from Red Bull, a marker throughout the season many will point to as evidence of underperformance from McLaren.

"Qualifying still isn’t the strongest part of our weekend," he said. "This is the third time in a row where I’ve qualified 13th.

"We normally seem to score good points from that position," he pointed out. "Hopefully tomorrow will be another one of those good days.

"A lot usually happens during a street race, and at this track in particular," he commented. "It’s also a mentally tough race, so I think tomorrow is going to be both crazy and fun at the same time."

McLaren sporting director Eric Boullier added that he felt that both drivers will have a better showing during the race.

"Fernando and Stoffel know how to manage their pace, pushing hard when necessary.

"Our car feels solid and dependable, particularly under braking. That should help to provide both drivers with the confidence they need to drive attacking races tomorrow."