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Alonso ready for new chapter with McLaren

LONDON, England - Fernando Alonso says he is ready to write a fresh chapter at McLaren in 2015 as the team starts new era with engine partner Honda.

Alonso, back at McLaren from Ferrari, said after the new MP4-30 was revealed: "My motivation could not be stronger for the new season. I've done a lot of training during the winter break to reach my peak physical fitness and I've been working hard in preparation for this new era of McLaren-Honda.

"I've never felt better, or more ready for a season."

RETURN TO FORM

McLaren, which has used Mercedes engines since 1995, last won a race in 2012 and will start testing with its new car in Jerez, Spain on Sunday (Feb 1 2015).

McLaren is, however, the second most-successful team after Ferrari in terms of titles won and race victories. It has gone through a major restructuring with former principal and group chairman Ron Dennis back in overall control.

VIDEO: 2015 McLaren-Honda MP4-30

The return of Honda, which left F1in 2008 when it became Brawn and then Mercedes, reunites McLaren with a partner from its glory years with Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

2015 MP4-30 REVEALED

The new car appeared in red, black and silver livery. There was still no sign of any title sponsor, with Honda branding appearing on the engine cover, and the team set no specific targets.

Alonso said: "Of course, we're prepared for a steep learning curve, but it's clear to see that inside McLaren-Honda there's total commitment, and a real change in feeling, as we start this new partnership.

"We're all focused on the challenge and I feel extremely honoured to be part of a relationship that has shared so much history."

His one previous season with the team ended in acrimony in 2007.

Alonso said: "My aim is to help write a new chapter in the history of McLaren-Honda. We understand the effort and teamwork required to take McLaren-Honda back to where it should be, at the front of the grid, and all our energy as a team is focused on that goal."

Team mate Jenson Button, 2009 champion, said there was “a feeling of re-ignited optimism and positivity" around the factory.

Button said: "There's a huge challenge ahead of us to try to pull back the gap to our rivals but we're certainly up for it."

Stay with Wheels24 for the 2015 F1 season – fresh reports every day.

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