Fernando Alonso: Australian Grand Prix was not the best start for me – Formula 1 news
Formula 1 Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso has said that his start in the Australian Grand Prix was not as good as he wanted before the race.
He added that despite of his disappointing race, he is looking for more improvements in the next Malaysian and Chinese races and wants to set the best place for the team.
The two-time world champion posted his quick run of 1.4 seconds behind the eventual race winner, Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel. Alonso’s pre-season display was very impressive and with his excellent performance during the winter testing. Therefore, he was
conceded as favourite to win the Australian Grand Prix.
He put Ferrari in fourth spot at the end of the Melbourne race. He admitted these results were not best for him but he is still confident for the rest races of 2011 season.
The Spaniard said, “If I'd not found myself ninth I'd have been able to fight to the end for the lower steps of the podium. It's important to prepare well for the next two, which are back-to-back.”
According to the Qualifying session results, he finished his run at fifth place and with this line-up completed his race on the Australian grid. He admitted that during the Qualifying he was very far from Vettel and McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton, as both they
were full in action. He further added, Ferrari’s lack of pace in qualifying session was surprising but he expects improvements in it for the up-coming races.
He went on to say, “Twelve points is not far below the world champion's average last year and two title contenders finished behind me. So, overall, the Australian Grand Prix can't be defined as disastrous.”
After the Melbourne race Alonso highly appreciated the Pirellis as these tyres showed less degradation than what the team saw over the testing. The team members of Formula 1 have already predicted two or three pit stops per race of 2011 season. However,
most of drivers were happy as they did not take many stops over their initial race.
Alonso has decided to stay this week in Australia and said he will move on towards Sepang circuit after this week.
He added, “They [Malaysia and China] are both very demanding from a physical point of view, especially Sepang where we drive in very high temperatures.”
The Malaysian race will take place on April 10, 2011 in Sepang.
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