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'Vandoorne playing on same level or better than Alonso'

Published on 04 Dec 2017 12:28
8
By: Rob Veenstra

Stoffel Vandoorne is now knocking on the door of performing "even better" than Fernando Alonso. That is the view of F1 legend Alain Prost, referring to the development this year of McLaren rookie Vandoorne.

"Everyone watched Vandoorne because, prior to coming into F1, he was recognised as one of the most exceptional youngsters for the future," the Renault advisor told RTBF. "He started at McLaren with reliability problems and never the same equipment as Alonso," Prost added.

"But I think Vandoorne is now playing on the same level or even better than Alonso. He's doing his development in a perfect way," he said. "Next year with a good engine, we'll see if he's efficient and reliable. Being on a team with Alonso is not easy, so Vandoorne has to stay calm, take his time, and I think there is no problem for him to be on top in years to come," Prost said.

Meanwhile, Prost referred to the 2017 season more generally, during which Renault struggled with the now high levels of technology in F1. "Today, we are in a phase of hyper-technology, but it's normal," he said. "This is the first time we were almost overwhelmed by this technology, but it's not negative," Prost added. "It's just a cycle." (GMM)

mbmwe36

Posts: 533

Yes, because Renault are nothing if not professionals when it comes to their customer teams.
Let's not forget that there is a pretty good chance that Renault and McLaren will be competing for the same points next year, so you might as well plant a few seed now if you're into that kind of thing. ... [Read more]

1
Dec 4 2017 - 23:03

F1 News Stoffel Vandoorne McLaren

Replies (8)

Major Tom

Posts: 152
I'm not entirely sure sure that I agree that Vandoorne is on the same level as Alonso but its really to here a thoughtful comments on F1 more generally. Good for Alain!
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- Dec 4 2017 - 12:46
mbmwe36

Posts: 533
If I was a cynic, I would say Mr. Prost (my phone keeps on trying to change it to prostate, which is fitting) is trying to stir shit up a little bit here.
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- Dec 4 2017 - 13:18
- krommenaas
  
  Posts: 155
  In a customer team? Unlikely. He was talking to Belgian television here, so take it with a grain of salt.
  + 0
  
  Dec 4 2017 - 22:17
- mbmwe36
  
  Posts: 533
  Yes, because Renault are nothing if not professionals when it comes to their customer teams.
  Let's not forget that there is a pretty good chance that Renault and McLaren will be competing for the same points next year, so you might as well plant a few seed now if you're into that kind of thing.
  It would've been one thing if he said that they perhaps were on the same level. But better? Yeah... not really
  + 1
  
  Dec 4 2017 - 23:03
calle.itw

Posts: 8,527
"This is the first time we were almost overwhelmed by this technology" I am sure your customers agreed wholeheartedly in 2014 and 2015... Ha...haha...
- + 0
- Dec 4 2017 - 14:42
- mbmwe36
  
  Posts: 533
  I'm pretty sure he subscribes to the theory that one shouldn't let facts get in the way of a good story.
  + 0
  
  Dec 4 2017 - 23:05
- calle.itw
  
  Posts: 8,527
  Yeah, its just corporate talk, but either way I find it funny. I will most certainly remember that quote, along with that quote about Renault's "ecxellent services".
  + 0
  
  Dec 5 2017 - 06:10
mclarenfan1968

Posts: 1,027
Bwahahahahhahahahhahahaha
- + 0
- Dec 4 2017 - 15:11