Alonso vows to attack after grid penalty

By on Friday, October 9, 2015
McLaren Honda

McLaren Honda

Fernando Alonso says he will approach the Russian Grand Prix with an attacking mentality following a 35-place grid penalty for several engine changes.

Alonso was set for a 25-place grid drop after Honda elected to use its four remaining development tokens ahead of this weekend's race at the Sochi Autodrom.

Honda has now fitted further new components to Alonso's engine and he will start from the back of the grid for his 250th race in Formula 1.

"Unfortunately, I have a 35-place grid penalty due to those component changes, so we need to see how we can best manage the race," he said.

"It looks like being a one-stopper for everybody, so there won’t be much we can do in terms of strategy. I’ll just try and enjoy the race regardless of the result – we have a good opportunity to learn about the car, so there’s lots we can still do this weekend.

"I’ll start 20th – so I’ll attack every corner and have fun on Sunday."

Team-mate Jenson Button believes that organisers at the Sochi Autodrom could improve drainage after wet conditions affected running on Friday.

"There was very low grip out there – and the water settled strangely on the circuit," he said.

"It didn’t run off anywhere, so I think a bit more drainage could be needed – especially at Turn 1.

"We also struggled to get useful tyre temperatures when the track was at its wettest. This year’s car hasn’t been the best in wet conditions, but we’re getting to the bottom of those issues now."


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