McLaren, Alonso: “Hectic Friday, it will be a battle to get into Q3”

McLaren ends Friday testing for the Hungarian Grand Prix behind Mercedes, Red Bull and Ferrari, repeating the placings obtained in the morning in the afternoon. The Woking team in fact placed Fernando Alonso (the Spaniard had to replace the power unit at the end of FP1, fitting an older unit on his MP4-31) in seventh place, ahead of teammate Jenson Button by just 59 thousandths.

"It was a hectic start to the weekend – declared Alonso – for the replacement of the power unit which took place at the end of the first session. We preferred to change the engine because the data showed some anomalies. We achieved good placings, but we'll see what happens tomorrow. There's still a lot of work to do, especially on the set-up, but we have some ideas on improvements to make. We will have to fight hard to get into Q3 but we can do it. Overtaking on this circuit is difficult, that's why we have to try to qualify as far ahead as possible".

"I'm quite happy with the behavior of the car both in the long runs and in the qualifying laps – Button's comment –  Tire degradation will be an important element ahead of Sunday: the soft tire lasts longer than the supersoft. As always, the Hungaroring proves to be a pleasant track to drive. We too have benefited from the new asphalt. Our goal is to score points".

Piero Ladisa

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