Alonso wants return to "normality" for F1 2018
Fernando Alonso believes Formula 1 will be back to "normality" for him next year if McLaren-Renault delivers him a car capable of fighting for podiums.
After three years of difficulties with Honda, a change of engine supplier for his Woking-based team gives Alonso the chance to get back to some form of success in 2018.
Although acknowledging that it is too early to make firm predictions for next year, he has said that being back near the front would not feel out of the ordinary.
When asked what feeling he expected to have again in 2018, he said: "Normality! But I think it is just looking too much ahead, because I don't know even what I will do next year.
"But the aim is, as I always said, to be on the podium and fight for victories: to be thinking today what we will do at the start, looking at the videos for maybe attacking tomorrow and maybe lead the race in the first stint.
"Those are all the things I did for 13 years of my career. So as I said, back to normality."
New contract
Alonso has not yet confirmed that he will be remaining with McLaren yet, but it is understood that a new contract is just a formality.
The Spaniard said that he would be visiting McLaren's factory at Woking next week, and suggested that would be the perfect time to get things finalised.
When asked why he was still waiting to sort out the deal, he said: "I think first because this weekend, there were already too many announcements.
"And then secondly, on the weekend, we are very focused, especially on this one, as we have one of the few chances remaining to score good points.
"So I think it is important to deliver the best result possible this weekend. After here, I will be in the UK next week.
"There is the karting world championship happening next weekend. I will be there, and I will be in the simulator and that will be better time to discuss about the future – and other things that are happening. We need to put everything together."
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