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Dennis says he shares Alonso's frustrations
McLaren chairman Ron Dennis says he shares Fernando Alonso's frustration at the team's lack of pace right now, but says it is a price that must be paid if it is going to win in Formula 1 again.
Jonathan Noble
Edited: Sep 30, 2015, 8:10 AM
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Alonso spoke out on the team radio during the Japanese Grand Prix to say that the performance of his Honda engine was 'embarrassing' and comparable to GP2.
Although the manner of his remarks, which were broadcast to millions of fans around the world, did not impress Dennis, the team chief says he does understand why Alonso feels the way he does.
"That is just frustration," said Dennis.
"Anything that is coming out of our drivers at the moment has its origins in frustration and disappointment and demotivation.
"We are all demotivated."
Works shot essential
Honda has had a difficult time getting on top of reliability and performance this year, and knows that it needs to make architectural changes to the power unit if it is going to make a good step forward in 2016.
Dennis said that McLaren was always aware that teaming up with Honda could produce early frustrations, but says having a manufacturer alliance is the only way that success can be achieved in F1.
"I still cannot understand why everyone doesn't appreciate the simple fact that you are not going to win the world championship if you have a second string engine," he explained.
"It is just not going to happen. And therefore we have to go through the pain, go through this learning curve and get a competitive engine.
"That is not a derogatory comment against Honda. Honda had the president of company, the president of R&D, the president of Honda Motor Company, all of these people [at the Japanese GP] and they were totally committed.
"They understand what has to be done and of course they are resourcing and increasing resources and putting more money and effort in to it, and we will get there.
"It is just a bit painful at the moment. But we will get there."
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