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Sao Paulo, Brazil - Fernando Alonso has been driving in 'economy mode' in 2016 to save energy for a serious bid for success in 2016.
He explained: "When you are running at the front and you have more motivation that helps, of course. But I'm on standby, let's say, in economy mode, to have full energy next year."
Alonso told reporters preparing ahead of the 2015 Brazilian Grand Prix that he felt he had under performed in his first - hugely disappointing - season back at McLaren during which Honda has suffered agonizing failures with engines.
Need to improve in 2016
Hhe said: "I did some good laps here and there. I remember Japan in Q2. The Austin race, I think it was good in difficult conditions, and I felt confident with the car and I could push.
"But apart from these two moments I don't think that I had the best season, so definitely I need to improve for next year."
Alonso posted a photograph on Instagram at Interlagos on Thursday:
The two-time former world champion has scored points only twice this season and is 17th in the championship, one place behind his McLaren team mate Jenson Button.
He said: "It has been hard. We all want to win, but it has been hard for some years now.
"The only way to beat Mercedes in the near future is to have a very strong project, a different kind of philosophy and, understanding the new F1, I think I'm in the right place."