Positive and productive day for Alonso

McLaren driver Fernando Alonso had a smooth and ultimately positive first day of the Mexican grand prix on Friday.

The Spanish driver was able to conduct a productive test programme, gathering a lot of useful data for the team and performing a number of aero correlation tests.

He completed 20 laps and finished the session in eighth.

In the afternoon session, Fernando was evaluating various set-up changes and aero components. Towards the end of the session, he turned his attention to longer runs and towing practice. Fernando completed 26 laps and finished a pleasing 7^th overall.

“I would say that today has been a very positive and productive Friday,” he said. “We did a lot of laps, a lot of tests, and most of them gave us good feedback. We were only seven tenths away from the fastest time and two tenths from Bottas, so surprisingly competitive in both sessions on such a complicated circuit.”

“We know it's going to be a difficult race anyway, starting from the back, and with little chance of overtaking because of our top speed. In some ways we have to sacrifice this race in order to have a fresh engine in Brazil and Abu Dhabi.”

“We also don't yet know which way to go for qualifying - we need to decide on a few things in terms of tyres, and see which decision gives us the least painful result.

“The stadium section is such an incredible view! It's so nice to see so many people in the grandstands here already, on a Friday.”