McLaren’s Fernando Alonso believes that one-on-one, he can still beat any driver in the world.
The Spanish Formula One racer does not have the best car in the field this season, but has revealed that he is certainly not lacking in confidence.
“I don’t believe that I’m better than anyone on pure speed in qualifying, and I don’t think I’m better than anyone in wet conditions, dry conditions [or] qualifying,” he told Sky Sports.
“But if you put me in the same car at the same moment and same track as anyone, I think I will beat them.
“I always feel confident about beating anyone.”
The 34-year-old broke a rib during a huge crash at the Australian Grand Prix on March 20th.
“I am lucky to be alive,” admitted Alonso when speaking about the accident.
He was cleared by doctors ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix last Sunday, where he finished in 12th place.
The Asturian also spoke optimistically about the future, with several mechanical changes expected to be implemented before the 2017 season.
“Right now, I don’t think that we are enjoying driving as much as we should,” he said.
“We cannot be seven or eight seconds slower than 10 years ago.”
“You are always saving – saving tyres, saving fuel, saving batteries – it is the opposite of our instinct, and I hope next year it returns to a more normal driving style.”