Fernando Alonso fails to shine on first day of testing

FERNANDO ALONSO fans were left disappointed on the first day of winter testing in Jerez when the two-time world champion only completed six laps in the new McLaren-Honda.

Massive queues at the entrance to the Jerez circuit meant that those who didn’t show up early had to contend with only hearing Alonso do laps of the track as they waited to get inside. Hoping to see their hero in action at a later stage, the crowd was disappointed that Alonso did not reappear for the rest of the day as the McLaren suffered from some “teething problems.”

“It’s a slow start that was expected,” said Alonso. “There is a lot of complex technology in F1 now and we need time to learn about the car. It is an extreme and aggressive design.”

In contrast to Alonso’s lack of track time, Mercedes’ Nico Rosberg kept motor racing fans entertained all day by recording more than 150 laps. But Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel put in the fastest time of the day, with Spanish fans cheering on Alonso’s replacement in red. 

Winter testing at Jerez continues until this Wednesday, with Alonso due on track again tomorrow (Tuesday February 3).