SUZUKA, Japan (AP) — Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso says the team must step up its efforts at the Japanese Grand Prix to maintain its push for the Formula One championship.
Alonso heads into this weekend’s race with some momentum after winning the last two races in Italy and Singapore, rising to second in the drivers’ championship standings. He is currently 11 points behind leader Mark Webber of Red Bull.
Alonso said “now it starts getting serious, we will have to experience some pain and it is time for everyone to give their all, without taking a single backward step.”
Webber and Alonso also face competition from Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel and McLaren pair Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton in a five-way fight for the title.
