After starting from the back row of the grid after a 40 place grid drop due to multiple engine penalties, Fernando Alonso steered his way past the chaos, multiple collisions, a track covered in debris, several penalties, multiple Safety Car periods and even a mid-race red flag stoppage to finish in a superb ninth place.
This saw the Spaniard score the Honda powered outfit's first points of the season in what can only be described as a memorable, incident-packed Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Sunday.
At one stage, Alonso was running as high as fifth as the leaders encountered problems in the heat of the afternoon, then looked set for an eighth placed finish but was overtaken by countryman Carlos Sainz Jnr in the closing laps.
“Starting 19th because of our penalties, on one of our least competitive circuits, yet still scoring our first championship points is unreal; a complete surprise,” he said, after stating on the radio that it was a shame because they COULD have won the race. “The race really came to us through the many retirements and a lot of action. I managed to stay away from the walls, just brushing them here and there.”
“Nevertheless, I think we could have fought for a podium finish – and perhaps even the victory. We were behind Daniel Ricciardo during the first Safety Car period; then Lewis had a problem with his headrest and was forced to pit; Sebastian had a penalty; Kimi (briefly) retired; the two Force Indias touched each other, so we automatically found ourselves in a decent position.”
“We missed out on further opportunities because we weren't quick enough in the race and couldn't hold on to that position. Still, we got our first two points of the season today, so let's just take that.”
