Fernando Alonso admits that he was relatively happy with his performance during qualifying for the Singapore Grand Prix, but knows he needs to convert it into points tomorrow. The Spaniard will start Sunday's race from eighth on the grid, ahead of teammate Stoffel Vandoorne and compatriot Carlos Sainz.
It was expected that McLaren would be stronger around the Marina Bay circuit than other tracks that F1 has travelled to recently. With Singapore not very reliant on engine power, Alonso expected that the car would perform well under the night lights.
"We knew that this circuit could have a good performance for our car," he said. "The aim is to be in the points with both cars. We need to complete the job tomorrow. In some circuits, we have the impression we are up there with the best teams in terms of chassis. Next year will be a good test. The same engine as Red Bull will be a good test as to whether the chassis is good or not."
After the first practice session on Friday, McLaren and Honda officially confirmed that the partnership that was re-formed in 2015 would conclude at the end of this season. With the Woking team taking up Renault power next year, Alonso revealed that he will decide on his future in the coming weeks.
"For the last three years, we have been the only team with the Honda engine so it's been hard to compare. But the engineers do simulations and we believe we have a good car. In the next couple of weeks [I will make a decision on my future].
"I need to concentrate on this weekend. I need to go through the team, what are the prospects and expectations for next year in terms of engine performance. After that, I will make decisions but I am extremely happy in the team. Everything is there to be competitive, hopefully, we have some positive news too."
Fergal Walsh
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Bahrain International Circuit - Winter testing
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