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F1 US GP: Alonso out to emulate 2015 fightback in Austin

Fernando Alonso says he is aiming to replicate his fightback through the field in last year's United States Grand Prix to act as a boost after disappointment endured at Suzuka.

The former F1 world champion is looking to make amends for the frustrating Japanese Grand Prix last time out when he struggled home in 16th to record his worst finishing position of the year.

The McLaren-Honda driver heads to Austin in a positive frame of mind despite the disappointment as he returns to a circuit he relishes having scored a podium when the Circuit of the Americas track made its F1 debut in 2012.

Last year Alonso suffered a puncture on lap two which dropped him the back of the field but through impressive strategy and a number of retirements ahead of him the Spaniard narrowly missed out on clawing back into the points with an 11th place finish in difficult conditions.

"It's great to go back to North America - Austin is a really cool place and I'm pleased we're returning there after a bit of uncertainty following last year's event," Alonso said. "It's a grand prix in which you never really know what to expect, and I would say that last year I had one of my favourite races because, despite having a puncture on lap two, we were able to push and make progress through the field, which was hugely satisfying from behind the wheel.

"The weather can always give us a few surprises and the track temperature often changes a lot from session to session, so I hope we can find a good set-up early on and improve our pace as the weekend progresses."

Zdroj: crash.net