We want to start from the front - Alonso

The world champion, Fernando Alonso, gives his impressions after the first day at the Nürburgring. Last year the Spaniard won the race and he aims to do the same this season. Alonso clocked the second fastest time in the second free practice session today.

"Yes and no. Yes because the lap-times are competitive, and we were at the top all day, which is better than being in P10. But the car balance was quite strange today. We need to make some changes tonight to make it more comfortable to drive. Otherwise, it was a normal Friday, which means it’s hard to know what was going on."

"At Bahrain I made a mistake during my quick lap then the following week, in Malaysia, I had a problem and started with too much fuel. The next races, Melbourne and Imola, we chose a different strategy and we didn’t go for the pole. The race pace of our car is good but it is sometimes a risk to count too much on the strategy. Our car is good at the start, so if we start from the front row, then we can control the race."

"It is only Friday and it is always hard to know. Maybe they were running with 30 kg more than us, which could mean they are right up there tomorrow. The drivers have said they are not happy with the car, but maybe that is a deliberate strategy. I know that McLaren-Mercedes are always quick at the Nürburgring, and I expect them to be fighting for pole tomorrow."