Alonso surprised over bosses’ optimism

"We must ensure that we are close to this group"

By GMM

26 May 2016 - 10:13
Alonso surprised over bosses' (...)

Fernando Alonso on Wednesday sounded surprised when told that McLaren chiefs Ron Dennis and Eric Boullier have been making very upbeat comments lately.

McLaren supremo Dennis has been talking about wins and team boss Boullier declared that the MP4-31 is even better than Ferrari’s.

"Who said that?" Alonso is quoted by Spanish media as having responded in Monaco to the media’s queries.

"That’s very optimistic, but if that’s what Eric and Ron say, then I have to agree with them because they are my bosses," the Spaniard smiled.

Honda-powered McLaren is expecting a competitive weekend in Monaco but Alonso warned: "Mercedes will be strong, Red Bull will be strong, Ferrari will definitely be competitive.

"We must ensure that we are close to this group," he added.

Williams’ Felipe Massa also warned McLaren not to run away with optimism, despite the fact the British team is certainly improving.

"They are certainly performing better, but to be ahead of Ferrari? Unlikely," said the Brazilian.

"McLaren is not in the shape to get ahead of the leading teams — I don’t think they have a car that is as good as a Mercedes, Red Bull or Ferrari," he added.

Alonso, however, insisted that despite McLaren-Honda’s recent troubles, he is in the right place for the future.

"Red Bull is absolutely a top team and has a very good car," he said. "But they have no manufacturer behind them. And Ferrari is always Ferrari."

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