MELBOURNE, Australia -- Fernando Alonso knows McLaren won't be in the running for victory at this weekend's Australian Grand Prix, but says it "should" be fighting Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull by mid-season.
After three years of underperforming with Honda engines, McLaren switched to Renault power over the winter with the aim of returning to F1's winning circle. However, the results of pre-season testing suggest McLaren is only in the running to be the fourth best team at the first race this weekend, yet Alonso believes it will not be long before the former champions are back at the front of the field.