Alonso questions Honda’s apparent resurgence

On paper it may look as if Honda have finally figured it out but Fernando Alonso has warned that “one test is not the same as 21 races.”

McLaren did not enjoy a good time with Honda as their engine partner with 825 places lost on the grid through engine issues alone.

As such the two parties agreed to part ways at the end of 2017 with McLaren swapping to Renault and Toro Rosso signing with Honda.

And, ironically, it was the latter that had the better pre-season.

Toro Rosso and Honda used just one engine in the final week of testing while McLaren were forced to change their Renault engine on two occasions.

Despite that Alonso has his doubts about Honda’s ability to get it right.

“I have no problem with Honda,” he told Spanish radio Onda Cero.

“They showed a good winter test, and if they finish in the top five, I’ll be glad.

“But I don’t think so.

“One test is not the same as 21 races with three engines.”

As for his own power unit, the Spaniard says he has no complaints with the Renault engine.

He added: “We are very happy with our work with Renault. Compared to last year, we are up to four seconds faster per lap.”