Starting fifth on the grid for Formula One's season-opening Australian Grand Prix, two-time world champion Fernando Alonso says he has every chance of a podium finish if his car lasts the distance in Sunday's race.
Although the Ferraris have appeared off the pace of front-running Mercedes across the race weekend, Alonso has been consistent, finishing in the top three of all practice sessions ahead of Saturday’s rain-hit qualifying.
The Spaniard said little can be taken for granted with the all-new V6 turbo hybrid cars, with all teams having fingers crossed about how they will perform in their first race on Sunday.
“The last couple of years, you start fifth, you get a good start and a good strategy, probably the podium is quite OK,” he said. “This year, this first race, if you say that the first priority is to finish the race, maybe you sound pessimistic. But I’m sure all the drivers, even the guy who’s in first place, cannot be sure he’ll finish the race.
“We’ll try to do everything possible from our side for zero mistakes and make sure we cross that (finish) line,” Alonso added. “If we do so, the podium can arrive.”
New teammate Kimi Raikkonen didn’t fare as well as Alonso, qualifying 12th after hitting a wet patch while accelerating away from a bend and crashing into a track wall.
Alonso insisted there were more positives than negatives for the team.
“We look at our strong points. We’re starting fifth with a car that has been quiet well balanced all weekend in all conditions, we have zero problems so far all weekend, so starting fifth we have the opportunity to score good points.”
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The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
Profile of RentSher
Started: October 2015 in India, November 2016 in UAE
Founders: Harsh Dhand; Vaibhav and Purvashi Doshi
Based: Bangalore, India and Dubai, UAE
Sector: Online rental marketplace
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Investment: $2 million
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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GULF MEN'S LEAGUE
Pool A Dubai Hurricanes, Bahrain, Dubai Exiles, Dubai Tigers 2
Pool B Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Jebel Ali Dragons, Dubai Knights Eagles, Dubai Tigers
Opening fixtures
Thursday, December 5
6.40pm, Pitch 8, Abu Dhabi Harlequins v Dubai Knights Eagles
7pm, Pitch 2, Jebel Ali Dragons v Dubai Tigers
7pm, Pitch 4, Dubai Hurricanes v Dubai Exiles
7pm, Pitch 5, Bahrain v Dubai Eagles 2
Recent winners
2018 Dubai Hurricanes
2017 Dubai Exiles
2016 Abu Dhabi Harlequins
2015 Abu Dhabi Harlequins
2014 Abu Dhabi Harlequins
MATCH INFO
Champions League quarter-final, first leg
Ajax v Juventus, Wednesday, 11pm (UAE)
Match on BeIN Sports
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The specs: 2018 Maxus T60
Price, base / as tested: Dh48,000
Engine: 2.4-litre four-cylinder
Power: 136hp @ 1,600rpm
Torque: 360Nm @ 1,600 rpm
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Fuel consumption, combined: 9.1L / 100km
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Habibi Funk: An Eclectic Selection Of Music From The Arab World (Habibi Funk)
