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Fernando Alonso was left feeling optimistic following his first run in McLaren's new car, the MCL33. The Spaniard took the car out on-track as part of a filming day for the Woking squad. The filming took place after McLaren launched the striking new papaya and blue livery on Friday.
McLaren has not won a race since 2012, and have not set a foot on the podium since 2014. After three painful years with Honda, it decided last year to end the partnership with the Japanese manufacturer, and will instead be powered by Renault this year.
Alonso admits it felt fantastic to be back in the driver's seat of an F1 car: "It felt great. It’s always a special moment when you drive the car for the first time. Everything felt good," he told Sky Sports. "The car is running, we’re all happy.
When asked if he had a message for the eagerly awaiting McLaren fans, he said: "I think good times are coming. We kept the motivation very high, I think the team is stronger now than three years ago. What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger."
In the three years that McLaren ran with Honda engines, it achieved a best finish of fifth place. After hoping 2017 would bring them more luck, the squad took several steps backwards and finished second to last in the championship.
But now it is time for them to return to the front, says Alonso: "It’s an important moment for McLaren. After a couple of years of not fighting for the championship, it’s time to come back to that position.
"Now in winter testing we need to make sure that we optimize this package but so far I‘m very happy and very optimistic, I think the team did an amazing job in the last couple of months," added the double-world champion.
Fergal Walsh
Grand Prix of Belgium
C. Sainz jr
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Barron
Posts: 625
Well, I hope he’s right but there’s not much you can tell from a day at near zero temperatures. Yesterday he was ‘apprehensive’. I wish we wouldn’t get into these negative vibes (looks, paintjob, PU etc) before the season has even started. Plenty of time for that..