- Malaysian GP - Qualifying
McLaren won't be getting knocked out in Q1 for long - Alonso
Fernando Alonso is confident McLaren will not be getting knocked out of Q1 for long this season despite his first qualifying session with McLaren leaving him 18th on the grid at the Malaysian Grand Prix.
The McLarens will make up the penultimate row of the grid ahead of the Manors, which may not be allowed to race after failing to set a time within 107% of the fastest lap in Q1. McLaren were in a similar position at the first race in Australia, but Alonso took positives from the reduction in the size of the gap to the rest of the pack.
"It was not too difficult or unexpected," Alonso said of his qualifying performance. "We are struggling with the pace, but the progress with the car has been fantastic after Australia.
"I don't think I will be talking to you after Q1 for long."
Jenson Button qualified one place ahead of his team-mate Alonso and said: "It was easier thsan the last race. We've had no issues this weekend which is good, and we've taken a massive step in performance. We've not challenged the other cars, but we are a lot closer. It is an improvement so we should be happy with the step."
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