Fernando Alonso is confident that he can challenge for a podium in Abu Dhabi after qualifying in his customary fifth place, behind the Red Bulls and McLarens.
The Spaniard is sure that the Ferrari will be a more competitive package come the race. This is the only track on the schedule where he has yet to record a podium.
“It’s the average position of the whole year, I think it’s the ninth time that I start fifth,” said Alonso. “I think it’s the place we deserve today. In qualy we struggle a bit more, normally in the race we’re more competitive, so being today half a second from pole position, let’s say is good news maybe for us.
“Because tomorrow we should be more competitive, and again try to fight for the podium. We know it’s difficult because McLaren and Red Bull are very competitive, and extremely consistent also in the race pace, but we will do our best. Start and strategy are the normal key points of the race to get a podium.
“We started fifth in the last couple of races, in Suzuka and India we got a podium, in Korea, no, so it’s 50:50. Sometimes we get a podium, sometimes not, hopefully tomorrow it’s yes.”
Alonso is still not sure how effective the DRS zone will be: “Unfortunately I don’t think so, the circuit characteristic plus the DRS can help, but maybe it’s not enough distance with the DRS, that’s the first impression after yesterday’s practice, but this we need to confirm tomorrow. Hopefully it will work well and we’ll see a lot of action, especially with the double zone.”
Adam Cooper F1 