Alonso: The good times are coming

After finally getting behind the wheel of McLaren's new MCL33 2018 Formula One vehicle, Fernando Alonso declared that the 'good times are coming' for the team as they attempt to rebuild their reputation and contest for races again after three years devoid of success using Honda engines.

After the 2017 season, McLaren ditched the Japanese manufacturer in favour of Renault power units, which is what powered Alonso to his only two world championships in 2005 and 2006.

Things got so bad under Honda that the Spaniard reportedly punched a hole in the wall of his living quarters after one particular race in which he was forced to retire after one corner. The mood appears to be different at McLaren now, and Alonso has predicted that 'good times' are around the corner this time after testing out the new papaya-coloured 2018 design.

"The good times are coming," he told Sky Sports F1.

"It's an important moment for McLaren. After a couple of years of not fighting for the championship, it's time to come back to that position.

"Now in winter testing we need to make sure we optimise this package but so far I'm very happy and very optimistic, I think the team did an amazing job the last couple of months.

"We have hard work to do now because with the Renault power unit, our biggest change this year from Honda, we had to make some changes in the car, some compromises in the rear end of the car so first we need to put the car on the track.

"We need to test it, we need to make sure we optimise the package and after that we will see how fast we can be. Definitely for McLaren and the amount of jobs that everyone did on this car, trying to fight for podiums and race victories, that will be our aim."

Last year, McLaren finished second-bottom in the constructor rankings and have not won the constructor's championship in 20 years. Although Alonso does not go as far as to predict a significant improvement, he hopes the team are fighting for race wins.

"It's difficult to say right now because nobody knows where everyone is. I hope McLaren will be in the fight," the two-time champion continued.

"If it's not us then probably Mercedes and Hamilton because they are the World Champions right now. They have to start as favourites, they will be the team to beat but hopefully McLaren can be right there."