Alonso: "First half of the season has been fantastic"

Fernando Alonso admits that he is very satisfied with how the first half of 2017 has gone. The Spaniard has described the first half of the season as fantastic, which is a rather remarkable statement given McLaren-Honda's current struggles.

The double world champion admitted that the team's situation was not great and in that case, the season has been a struggle. However, personally, Alonso feels he has proven that he still has the speed and commitment to produce results when it is needed.

"The first half of the season has been fantastic," he said. "As a team, we can not possibly be satisfied with what we've shown. Last year, we were a regular customer in Q3 and our average qualifying position was ninth or tenth. This season we are much slower. Personally, on the other hand, it has been a very good season for me.

"With the 2017 cars I can drive in my old driving style and I feel much more competitive than in previous years. I feel competitive on the track. In addition, the Indy 500 was a great experience and I'm doing well with my karting circuit. I can not complain.

Alonso has finished inside the points just twice this year, coming home in ninth in Azerbaijan and sixth in Hungary, meaning he sits fifteenth in the driver standings. With his future uncertain, the Spaniard confirmed he would think about hit over the summer break. 

"I’ll be thinking about my future during the break, for sure,” Alonso said. "As I’ve said before, September/October is my timeline to decide what I’ll do next year. I want to win, I think I’m at the top of my game now. So let’s hope everything goes well and we’ll find the best solution for everybody."

Fergal Walsh