Alonso expects more McLaren struggles in Montreal

Fernando Alonso expects the Canadian Grand Prix to be another race in which McLaren will fail to cut the gap to Formula 1s front-runners, despite Renault's planned power unit upgrade. Alonso suffered his first DNF of the season in Monaco last time out in a race dominated by Red Bull.

Through their struggles in partnership with Honda, McLaren had often spoken bullishly about their ability to match Red Bull with similar power, however that has failed to materialise in 2018.

While Daniel Ricciardo has won twice, Alonso has McLaren's best finish with fifth place in Australia.

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Alonso was victorious in Montreal in 2006 with Renault, but is well aware that it will take something crazy for him to get close to that this week.

"After a disappointing race in Monaco, I'm already looking forward to heading to Canada," Alonso said.

"It's a great track and a real test for the driver and the car. It's claimed many top drivers in the 'Wall of Champions' and the Safety Car often plays a role in the outcome of the race.

"I've always enjoyed racing in Montreal. It has the best combination of a great track, challenging street circuit characteristics, and it's a fun city to visit.

"I've enjoyed some great races in Canada and I won there in 2006, so it's a special place for me. Even more so this weekend, when I'll be celebrating my 300th grand prix.

"This will certainly be a tough circuit for us, but we're making progress with our package race-by-race. A little bit of the drama or changeable weather conditions we've seen in Canada so many times in the past could offer us some opportunities – it's up to us to take advantage of every possibility."

Alonso is 'best of the rest' in the drivers' standings, in seventh place behind the drivers of Red Bull, Ferrari and Mercedes.