Indian GP: Alonso says different strategy Ferrari's only option
Fernando Alonso said Ferrari had to try something different in Indian Grand Prix qualifying to have a hope of gaining ground in the race
The Spaniard qualified eighth, but was one of four drivers to use the harder compound Pirellis in Q3, along with Red Bull's Mark Webber and the McLarens of Sergio Perez and Jenson Button.
With team-mate Felipe Massa fifth on the softer tyre after Ferrari split its drivers' strategies, Alonso reckons its decision could pay off in a race he thinks will ultimately be decided by the durability of the softer tyre.
"I'm happy with my strategy," he said. "The best decision from the team was to put one car on one strategy and one car on another.
"At some point in the race we need to put the soft tyre on as well and we will struggle so we need to be ready for that.
"But if we started on the same strategy we would not gain any places because we are not as quick as the others. Until tomorrow, no one knows what will work better. The better strategy will win."
Alonso is hoping Ferrari will be able to take advantage of its rivals' use of the option tyre at the start of the race to gain track position.
He is adamant the softs will prove problematic at some point, but is also wary of its potential to be a stronger tyre on race day.
"At this moment, it's difficult to predict what will happen tomorrow. In Germany I remember the soft tyres were not working very well, so we started on the prime and on Sunday the soft tyre lasted a very long time.
"If the soft lasts, with good conditions and good pace, long enough the people in front will not have any problems.
"[But] the soft tyres are not good. It's not a hope, it's the reality. If it's a disaster tomorrow people will have more problems."
Be part of the Autosport community
Join the conversationShare Or Save This Story
Why F1 2026 worst case fears could be key to new rules success
Hamilton: Ferrari F1 switch doesn't need "vindicating"
The story behind Shanghai's "painted" F1 track surprise
Alonso: Stroll more sensitive to Aston F1 car handling issues I drive around
Aston Martin ‘not convinced’ Alonso would definitely want to stay in F1
Suzuka sensation redeemed Alonso, but his F1 future is complicated
Red Bull says it can't match "very lucrative" Audi F1 offer to Sainz
Sainz: All my best 2025 F1 seat options are "still open"
What's been going wrong for Leclerc in F1's tiny margins qualifying game
Why Porsche doesn't expect another WEC domination at Imola
Pourchaire to make IndyCar debut for Arrow McLaren at Long Beach
Why F1 2026 worst case fears could be key to new rules success
Red Bull says it can't match "very lucrative" Audi F1 offer to Sainz
Why F1 2026 worst case fears could be key to new rules success
How the F1 driver market situation sits for each team with 2025 openings
What's been going wrong for Leclerc in F1's tiny margins qualifying game
What the Chinese GP's highlights reveal about its first F1 race for five years
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments