Source: McLaren Media Centre

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De Ferran admits disappointing Grand Prix

De Ferran admits "disappointing" Grand Prix

24-07-2018 09:03
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Bobby Vincent

McLaren's Gil de Ferran admits Sunday's race was a "disappointing" one for his new side.

Gil de Ferran believes that both his drivers, Fernando Alonso and Stoffel Vandoorne should have scored points on Sunday, but due to some unfortunate circumstances - the pair were unable to get on the scoreboard.

Alonso's gamble to switch to Intermediate tyres didn't pay off as he had to come back to the pits to put slicks on, as the track dried out and then a gearbox issue ended his race anyway.

Vandoorne had to slowly make his way back to the pits for a reset, after an engine concern, and then could only manage a thirteenth placed finish.

De Ferran reckons this was a good opportunity wasted to score points and catch up with the likes of Force India, Haas and Renault - who all achieved points.

"A disappointing German Grand Prix for us," de Ferran said to The Checkered Flag.

"On Fernando's side, we took a gamble, banking on there being some heavy rain, but unfortunately we were a little too early and the gamble didn't pay off.

"It's a real shame for Fernando who was actually driving a really good race at that time, fighting as he usually does. At the end of the race, there were some concerns over his gearbox and we had to retire his car.

"On Stoffel's side, we had a much calmer afternoon and he drove a solid race. He had an issue halways through that we are still investigating and which lost him a lot of time, but it was a solid finish in the end.

"It's unfortunate to miss an opportunity to score some good points, as the car and the drivers had enough pace to do so today. So, onwards and upwards."