“Balance OK, but it is like driving on ice. Poor grip. I’m caught on the straight like a GP2. This is embarrassing, very embarrassing.” – Alonso’s radio message to his engineer during the Japanese Grand Prix, the home race of his engine supplier.
“GP2 engine, GP2!” he exclaimed, later on.
Whilst many expected the Japanese car giants to frown upon Fernando’s criticism, Honda motorsport boss Yasuhisa Arai told F1i that, instead, his team see the Spaniard as a motivational figure and his comments were more motivating than demoralising.
“First of all, Fernando’s Suzuka’s comments were an encouragement for us, so I don’t think badly about it, I don’t think negatively at all towards that. We just have to be better,” Arai explained.
“We cannot forget in Russia he took the penalties and started 19th and finished 10th (before his penalty), so that is just brilliant and I am happy to be able to work with him.”
