Alonso crash 'no big deal'

Alonso testing crash 'no big deal'

Originally written by Joas van Wingerden. This version is a translation.

Monday 26 February 2018 15:13

McLaren CEO Zak Brown said Fernando Alonso's crash after five laps on the first morning of F1 pre-season testing was down to a "wheel-nut issue" but he does not expect the Spaniard's trip into the gravel to hamper the team's preparation.

Alonso came off the track at the final corner at the Circuit de Catalunya, bringing out the red flags and limiting him to just 10 laps.

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McLaren have spent much of testing in the previous three seasons in the garage due to issues with their old Honda engines.

And, though Alonso's crash limited their chance to test out the new Honda power underneath the McLaren, Brown was not too concerned.

"We're fine," he said. "That's what testing is for.

"I think all the teams will have a variety of issues throughout testing, that's exactly what it's for.

"We're going to lose very little time, so no big deal at all. There's no drama. In the garage everyone is quite relaxed, just getting on with it.

"I think this team is used to having public pressure and having eyes on us. We enjoy that, we like to step up to the plate and thrive on the opportunity.

"We don't feel any added pressure that we don't already put on ourselves.

"The mood in the team is great. Everyone is very happy to be at the race track. Everyone's back watching and staying tuned at the factory.

"Our shakedown went very well so everyone is very excited for the new season."