Fernando Alonso tested for McLaren today and he was quick to compliment the team on the progress they have made since last season. The two-time world champion believes that the car has improved in every aspect and that they should be targeting fourth and finish the season as 'best of the rest.' If they could do this many expect to see Alonso back behind the wheel on a full-time basis.
"It's a step forward in every aspect of the car," said Alonso to Autosport. "The car has more grip, the car is less draggy on the straights, the engine is a big step better as well.
"Overall, as a package, the car is in the right direction. We saw in the first two races that there's still another step to do if you want to compete with the top three teams.
"But as a first step, hopefully [McLaren can] consolidate as the fourth team or lead the midfield together with Haas. That's the target and I felt that [potential] in the car as well."
Many believe that if McLaren can continue to develop and improve then Alonso could be tempted back into driving for the team in the next few years. His involvement with the team suggests that he has not fully retired.