Alonso slams Lotus drivers for 'lack of common sense'

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F1 Grand Prix, GP Great Britain, Silverstone Circuitgb

Fernando Alonso scored his first point for McLaren Honda at the British Grand Prix, coming back after a first lap incident that involved 4 cars. The experienced Spaniard however made it clear who he thinks was to blame for the crashes.

"The start was unbelievable", the Spaniard said.

"It was a big mess as we arrived at Turn Three. The two Lotus drivers were far too aggressive, and they touched each other; in avoiding them, I had a half-spin, and touched Jenson. There were a lot of retirements, and little common sense on display."

Alonso's avoiding action indeed caused him to bump into team mate Jenson Button, forcing the latter into an immediate retirement as his car switched off automatically. As Grosjean and Maldonado both retired on the same lap as well, Alonso went on to pit for a new front wing and tyres, eventually progressing to 10th after an early switch to intermediate tyres.

When his closest challenger, Marcus Ericsson, switched from Inters to Options, then back to Inters as the rain ebbed and flowed, Fernando secured his position, despite increasingly worsening grip from his tired tyres.

"It's not the best of results, but 10th position helps to motivate everyone. The whole team is incredibly focused – they've been working day and night to improve the car – and we all know this is a long-term project, and there are no magic solutions, but to get a decent result, and to put some points on the table, is always important", Alonso continued.

"Still, we know we're improving, and today has been a good day for morale."