Alonso says McLaren-Honda 'crisis is over'

Jun.22 (GMM) Fernando Alonso says "the crisis is over" at McLaren-Honda.

That is despite the team's Austrian grand prix appearing to be an unmitigated disaster, and right in front of the Honda Motor Co.'s new president, Takahiro Hachigo.

The draconian extent of the engine grid penalties incurred by Alonso and Jenson Button was ridiculed in the international media, before Button sputtered into retirement and Alonso crashed on the opening lap.

And Spanish media reports say Alonso's misery will now run into Silverstone, as the 44G impact with Kimi Raikkonen and the trackside barrier damaged his brand new Honda engine that now must be replaced yet again.

Alonso told Spanish reporters that, approaching the mid-point of the season, the pressure on McLaren-Honda is now high.

"Expectations are always high for a team like ours, and with a collaboration like McLaren and Honda," he said, "but everything can be solved through teamwork."

Alonso is staying at the Red Bull Ring this week, where he says he can continue to test the new bodywork package, despite destroying the 'short nose' on Sunday.

"We have spares," he revealed.

"The path we have taken is good, I know what's coming and I know that things are going to change quickly now.

"I do not know if it will take two, six or eight races, but no more than that," Alonso added.

"The crisis is over.

"We have found the right direction with several areas of the car that we have now put in place, and although from the outside it looks negative, there is not much longer until we can begin to have fun," he said.