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HUNGARIAN GP

Fernando Alonso eyes chance for McLaren in Budapest

After a frustrating few months, Fernando Alonso is hoping to enjoy a competitive outing this weekend when he leads McLaren at the Hungarian GP.

Update:
Fernando Alonso eyes chance for McLaren in Budapest
Dan MullanGetty Images

After a frustrating few months, Fernando Alonso is hoping to enjoy a competitive outing this weekend when he leads McLaren at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel pictured in the Drivers Press Conference in Budapest today.
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Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel pictured in the Drivers Press Conference in Budapest today.Dan MullanGetty Images

Slow circuit favours McLaren, says Alonso

The two-time world champion believes that McLaren-Honda's strategy of focusing on the slow-paced Hungaroring circuit in Mogyoród may give them a chance to climb off the bottom of the constructors' standings.

”I think Monaco was a great track for us, in terms of the characteristics of it but, I was not there! So, for me, it's really the first time that I have had the possibility of hopefully feeling competitive”, he explained today. “There is a possibility to be in (qualifying) Q3, and then in the points and if something happens, in front of us, to get even a better result than seventh or eighth -- that is the maximum you can fight for at the moment. So it's definitely an important weekend for us. We paid some penalties in the last two races to arrive here with more freedom of engine choices and something more in the pocket. So, hopefully, it will pay off this weekend”.

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LASZLO BALOGHREUTERS

Alonso missed the Monaco Grand Prix in May to take part in the Indianapolis 500. McLaren believe the Hungarian race will give the team their best chance to score points in 2017 as the circuit characteristics will suit their package better than faster tracks where pure power is more important.

McLaren are on course for their worst season in F1 after scoring only two points thanks to the Spaniard's effort in finishing ninth in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.