Alonso keen to test Renault engine
Oct.31 - He may have two Honda-powered grands prix still ahead of him, but Fernando Alonso is already looking ahead to next year's pre-season tests.
He hinted to Spain's Cadena Ser radio that he is relieved McLaren's Honda era is finally ending, and got a taste of what could be next after duelling with new champion Lewis Hamilton in Mexico.
"I would have liked to keep fighting him and beaten him," said Alonso, who won his last title in 2006.
"Can I match the four championships of Hamilton and Vettel? I'll try," added the 36-year-old.
"I hope to be able to fight on equal terms.
"It's true that I have not won since 2006, but I think I could have had four or five titles including a very recent one," Alonso said.
Alonso is suddenly more optimistic about 2018 after McLaren decided to drop its works Honda collaboration and switch to customer Renault power.
"I'm already looking forward to testing the Renault engine," Alonso said.
"It's been very frustrating and it has required a lot of patience. But I think we're going to be very competitive next year.
"We saw in Mexico that Verstappen was able to do a great race with the Renault engine," he added.
Asked if he has hopes McLaren can match what Red Bull has been able to do with Renault power, Alonso answered: "It's hard to know because we have no comparison, but the feeling is good.
"From the outside the engine looks very good. In the last few races we have introduced aerodynamic parts and they have worked well, so we have every ingredient to be competitive next year."
Asked if it will be enough, Alonso added: "I hope we can compete with Hamilton for the title next year."
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Ofcourse it is a Yes. Becausei irrespective of frustration by engine faults, - lots of patience and building your car to beat the friction aerodynmically more competitive and building your low power car to go in straight lines to catch the opponents car will definetly build mclaren to be more clarity and competitive next year. I mearly think of the titles won by drivers of 2017 represent the power produced is parallel and equivalent and there is fault in power produced by mercedes ferrari and renault . Better you need to understand the track to pick maximum speed at some turns by variation in your drive at turns to overtake competitors ; even by timing thatis where you can beat them. Hope for the best in 2018 will bring the best in drivers. The much experence with track in years will give better drive for drivers by good timing to finish the grid
What does all that even MEAN :-o
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