Alonso Hails Malaysia Drive as Best of His Career

Fernando Alonso insisted that his performance in the 2010 Malaysian Grand Prix was by far his best in his career. Even though the Spaniard retired due to an engine problem late in the race, it was revealed that the 2-time world champion drove with a broken clutch for the entire duration of the Sunday action (his gearbox broke down in the formation lap).

Nevertheless, despite his obvious problems with the Ferrari F10, Alonso drove majestically to a potential points finish – with a couple of laps to go – although he started 19th on the grid. The international media praised his effort on Sunday, with Germany's Auto Motor und Sport naming him a “quiet hero,” and Alonso himself admitted he feels “reinforced” by his drive at Sepang.

“I feel reinforced for the championship. The fact that in a race with problem I could fight wheel to wheel with the rest gives me a lot of confidence,” said Alonso in an interview with Spanish newspaper AS, after the race.

“I've never done a grand prix like that, adapting my driving as much as I had to and with decent times. I know that because of the result this will be forgotten, but we know this was the best race of my life. I'll say that in a few years and they will think I'm crazy,” added Alonso.

Additionally, he insisted that he feels very happy with what he has achieved with Ferrari in the first 3 races of this year, considering the racing conditions he had to put up with in Australia and Malaysia.

“I've had three very complete weekends. I feel very good and very confident to be among the top three or four to opt for victory when things work as normal. In Melbourne I was 22nd and here I was 21st. If I have another normal weekend, like the first one, I'm convinced that I can get the lead back,” added the Spaniard, who is now 2 points behind teammate Felipe Massa in the overall classification.