Fernando says McLaren must focus on reliability

Fernando Alonso says McLaren must focus on improving its reliability in a bid to maximise its prospects at this weekend’s Singapore Grand Pr...

Fernando Alonso says McLaren must focus on improving its reliability in a bid to maximise its prospects at this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix.

Alonso scored 32 points in the opening five Grands Prix but has added just 12 in the nine events held since, during which period he has failed to greet the chequered flag six times.

McLaren is expecting its package to be comparatively stronger around the streets of Marina Bay, and Alonso says the team must ensure it does not fall short in the reliability stakes.

“After difficult races in Belgium and Italy, we say goodbye to Europe and start the fly-away chapter of the season,” said Alonso.

“We were hoping to come away with points instead of two DNFs, but on the positive side we managed to find some pace on Sunday in Monza.

 “The important thing for us to focus on is reliability, especially since Marina Bay street circuit should be better for us and our package, so we need to maximise our performance.

 “Points are still definitely the target.”

 The first-five Grand’s Prix signaled an upturn in form from McLaren – but its underlying lack of pace in qualifying eventually proved a greater hindrance as rivals made gains, while its own issues became more pronounced.

 Alonso is now 15th on the laps raced chart, out of 20 drivers, and has failed to meet the chequered flag six times from nine events – of which four were retirements.