Alonso talks up McLaren's newfound reliability

Fernando Alonso pointed out McLaren's newfound reliability as proof that their start to the season ought to be viewed in a positive light. Alonso and Stoffel Vandoorne have finished in the points in both races so far in 2018, a feat only Mercedes have matched.

McLaren are third in the constructors' standings after two races, partly in thanks to Red Bull's double DNF in Bahrain, with Alonso fourth in the drivers' charts.

Having swapped Honda power units for Renault, McLaren are eight points behind last season's tally for the whole year after just two races.

However, some frustrations remain, with neither Alonso or Vandoorne having made it into Q3 at Australia or Bahrain, although the Spaniard is yet to run into an issue that worries him.

"We didn't have any big surprises," Alonso said. "We're third in the constructors' championship, fourth in the drivers' championship - maybe not on performance.

"I don't know exactly what the people were expecting, from one season to another, when the regulations stay the same, and there are three teams ahead of everyone last year. This year they keep ahead of everyone.

"Last year in three races, [we had] zero points. Bahrain last year, Stoffel didn't make the start. On the grid, he was pulling the car into the pitlane. This year, two races, four cars to the chequered flag.

"As I said, look at the facts not the feelings or the wishes or the dreams. If we see the acts, this is a very good start.

"We didn't have any mechanical failures, we didn't have any operational failures. I think we're the only team now.

"With pit stop problems for Ferrari and Haas, and Red Bull retirements, now there's only one team remaining with no issues at all: that's only McLaren.

"Even Mercedes changed their gearbox a couple of times. This could change quite quickly, but so far, the start of the season is very positive.

"I understand the expectations are difficult to meet when we're talking about McLaren and a championship fight."