Drivers less important in 2017 - Alonso

Double world champion Fernando Alonso thinks that despite the introduction of the new regulations, the driver is much less important in the 2017 cars. The cars this season are supposedly harder to drive, with more downforce being added to them.

However the Spaniard believes that due to the technology that is now available to the teams, the driver is now less important sitting in the cockpit of the car.

"I think for pushing the car and expressing your driving style, yes they (the 2017 rules) do allow more than the previous cars," he is quoted by Marca sports newspaper.

"On the other hand, with the technology we have now, with the current aerodynamic packages, the engines, I think the driver is even less important," Alonso added.

"I think this year a few corners are disappearing and so if last year you had 20 horse power less and lost three or four tenths, this year you might lose half a second."

Fergal Walsh