Spaniard reaffirms his commitment to McLaren and reveals he is certain the team will be frontrunners again next year
Friday 9 October 2015 15:46, UK
Speaking to Sky Sports F1 , Fernando Alonso declares he is staying at McLaren and predicts the team will be frontrunners in 2016.
Do we need to have confirmation that you're staying at McLaren?
"We don't need to wait for confirmation because I signed for three years last year. So I drive or I'm in the kitchen cooking something! It was just the day of Jenson last week because there were some rumours about his continuity and there were new sponsors as well. There isn't any need for confirmation for myself because in 2016 and 2017 I will be with McLaren."
So you aren't considering taking a year out from F1, having some fun in the WEC, and then coming back to F1 to win some races?
"I want to win but I think from next year we can be in that position."
What gives you that confidence?
"The problems are quite identified and quite local, let's say, on the engine side and also on the car side. Aerodynamically we have to improve a couple of things but the direction is clearly a good one. Mechanically there are some updates coming to improve the mechanical grip and reliability because we had a little bit too many retirements that we need to fix as well. All the problems are understood, but the solutions are unfortunately sometimes taking a little bit of time. Winter will be the best time to put in place this progress."
Any worries that McLaren might be last in 2016 with Haas's arrival and Manor's new Mercedes deal?
"Zero. McLaren will be one of the top cars next year, that's 100%. The Manor thing with the Mercedes, with total respect for Manor, I think they can put an aeroplane engine and they will not be much further."
