Alonso relying on McLaren home support for British GP weekend

Fernando Alonso says he is hopeful of a raucous home support for McLaren during this weekend's British Grand Prix. The Spaniard said he hopes that the home crowd will help inspire the team to achieve a points finish on home soil.

Despite a difficult beginning to their Austrian Grand Prix, McLaren did score points with Alonso finishing in eighth position, an achievement he hoped the team would be able to emulate on Sunday in front of the British fans.

“We managed to maximise everything we could in Austria to bring home some points,” he said.

“Although Silverstone is a tough track, I hope we can put together everything we’ve learned and do the same at the British Grand Prix. Hopefully the support from the home crowd will also give us an extra boost to end this trio of back-to-back races.

“It’s always special to race at the British Grand Prix.” 

Alonso has won at Silverstone twice in his career, however he hasn't scored points at the venue since 2015, a fact that the team will be desperate to change having slipped behind Haas in the constructor standings last weekend.

He was in good spirits despite any pressure that might be lingering around the team.

“The fans are incredibly passionate and knowledgeable about the sport, and as a McLaren driver we always receive massive support from the British crowd. 

“It’s also one of the best tracks of the year, a hugely exciting challenge for the driver, and a great amount of history that has made it one of the classic grands prix on the calendar.

“It has some of the best corners of any circuit in the world, and it’s mega when you get it just right – even more special when you can push lap after lap.”