F1 | McLaren, Vandoorne: “Race compromised after contact with Raikkonen”

Suzuka haunted by the McLaren: the Woking team leaves Japan with zero points and many regrets. Fernando Alonso, protagonist of a decent recovery from the back of the grid today, analyzed his race: “We started twentieth and finished elevenths, having a good comeback, just one pit stop, starting with a set of used tyres. The team made a huge effort. After the penalty on Friday night, due to the engine change, I think we deserved at least one point. Towards the end I was unlucky with Felipe (Massa, ed.). He was struggling a lot with his tyres, only then the Virtual Safety Car came out and he was able to let the tires breathe. Then, in the last two laps, the race leaders lapped us and 10th place was achieved by him. Let's hope we have better luck in Austin.".

Anonymous and prejudiced race after only a few meters, however, for Stoffel vandoorne: “It was truly a race to forget” – the Belgian driver made his debut, 14th at the finish line. “I had a decent start, then when we entered turn 2, I was impressed by Kimi (Raikkonen, ed.). I don't think it was an intentional contact, we were in the wrong place at the wrong time. From there I lost positions and my race was compromised. However, Suzuka is a very special place, so it was a shame we couldn't get a good result in front of all these fans. The team deserves a bit of rest now: they have all done an excellent job in these last three races".

Eric boullier, Racing Director of McLaren, assessed the Asian tour positively: “This triple commitment in Asia has been positive for the team. We have collected some useful points, we will emerge stronger than before. We will face the last four races with even more confidence.". Finally, bitter Yusuke Hasegawa, responsible for the engineers Honda: “It was a shame not to be able to score points in our home GP”.

Federico Martino