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F1 I BELGIAN GP

Fernando Alonso returns from holidays: "No power" problems

The Spanish driver reported further issues with the power coming out of the Honda engine during his first lap of the track. Half an hour later he returned with no problem.
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Spa Francorchamps
MTI104. Mogyorod (Hungary), 29/07/2017.- Spanish driver Fernando Alonso of McLaren-Honda stters his car during the qualifying session on the Hungaroring circuit in Mogyorod, near Budapest, Hungary, 29 July 2017. The Hungarian Formula One Grand Prix will be held on 30 July. (Fórmula Uno, Hungría) EFE/EPA/Zsolt Czegledi HUNGARY OUT
Zsolt CzeglediEFE

"No power." That seems to be the constant frustrated plea coming from Fernando Alonso. It's one that has been repeated on the car radio for three years, when he first jumped into a McLaren Honda. Other than for a few big occasions where pretty much everything worked well (the last time out in Hungary, for example) Alonso has had problems with the Japanese power unit, almost always.

Alonso's Belgian Grand Prix early woes

And in this return to action in Spa it couldn't have been less. From the moment he started, he couldn't get around his first practice lap without the engine breaking and he looked to his team for advice over the radio:

"No power," he informed them, with the suggestion coming back through his earpiece that he should try to return to the pits slowly, as if he had any other option. For the mechanics, those heroes of the team, the extra work was to begin.

Fernando Alonso of McLaren Honda signs autographs for fans during previews ahead of the Formula One Grand Prix of Belgium at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps.
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Fernando Alonso of McLaren Honda signs autographs for fans during previews ahead of the Formula One Grand Prix of Belgium at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps.Dan IstiteneGetty Images

Half an hour later, the Spaniard returned to track without any major setbacks. We will see how the thing continues with Alonso riding this Honda 3.5...

Fernando future with Mclaren

Fernando spoke about this specific Honda engine while in Spa and on the possibility that things will improve in the future and he'll stay with McLaren.

"They are working day and night to improve the engine, but it is difficult to predict what will happen in six or seven months and how much it can improve. I am sure they will do the best possible job and improve things as much as they can."