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McLaren-Honda's continuing struggles might soon begin to also affect the 2016 campaign. That is the blunt admission of Eric Boullier, following yet another disastrous weekend for the new Anglo-Japanese collaboration in Austria.
"I would not say that our difficulties have already impacted the coming season," he is quoted in international media reports including Speed Week (Germany) and Marca (Spain). "But sooner or later that may be the case. We are lacking mileage, not only in the winter testing but also in the race weekends," the McLaren team boss added.
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McLaren has, however, had a more positive outing in the post-Austrian grand prix test this weekend, with Fernando Alonso putting crucial laps on the new 'short nose' package. It is often said the Spaniard must be getting close to letting his frustration show, but he continues to insist he is looking into the future with optimism.
That is despite the fact he is expecting to serve "more penalties" in the next few grands prix, having already run through his season allocation of engines. "Then from Singapore, it should be better for us," he is quoted by France's Le Figaro.
"We want to try to score points and get closer to the podium before the end of the season," said Alonso, "because next year we want to fight for the championship. It's probably a bit too optimistic a goal but the level of our dream must be high."
He insists he has no regrets about leaving Ferrari to join McLaren-Honda for the future. "If you want to win the championship and beat Mercedes, you have to do something different," said Alonso. "And I felt that McLaren-Honda saw things differently and was the best chance for me. It will take time, but we will be the only ones who can stop Mercedes," he insisted. (GMM)
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C. Sainz jr
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