Sixth place was the maximum available result for Alonso

Fernando Alonso admits that finishing sixth was the best possible result that he could have hoped for at the Hungarian Grand qualified Spaniard wualified eighth but started the race from seventh on the grid after Nico Hulkenberg was demoted due to a grid-penalty.

Alonso kept his nose clean throughout and enjoyed a battle with compatriot Carlos Sainz. Alonso followed the young Toro Rosso diver who idolises him for many laps but eventually got by him at Turn 1, solidifying sixth place. On the way to the nice haul of points that lifts McLaren off the bottom of the constructor standings, Alonso picked up the fastest lap of the race.

"The fastest lap is a surprise no doubt. P6, we were hoping for seventh or eighth so sixth was possible and we took it. We know there are three or four weekends where we will feel and be competitive so we need to maximise those. We need to capitalise on that potential and it's what we made this weekend.

"Sixth was the best result possible. Fastest lap is a gift and we will take it. It was close with Carlos [Sainz]. After the pits, I knew I had two laps where I could really push on the new tyre. I did some kamikaze moves at times but I had to try. It worked fine but Carlos did an amazing job again."

Fergal Walsh