Many people had a mixed reaction regarding the inaugural sprint race at British GP. However, the two-time world champion, Fernando Alonso, has only positive things to say about the new qualifying format.

Alonso, one of the four drivers to start the sprint on soft compound tires, gained six places from P11 to P5 after a blistering opening lap. Eventually, the Spaniard was overtaken by Lando Norris on lap six and Daniel Ricciardo on lap nine. And after a hard-fought battle with Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel, Alonso achieved P7, with a net gain of four places.

Meanwhile, during the sprint, Fernando Alonso’s engineer informed the Spaniard about the warning regarding his alleged movement in the braking area against Lando Norris. By which, the two-time world champion was surprised and claimed he plans to stay on the ‘dark side.’

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What did Fernando Alonso say?

“I was surprised. I never moved under braking, I was moving at the beginning of the straight,” said Alonso in the post sprint race press conference.

“But I don’t care, to be honest. I’ve been on the other side, for now, nine races. So, you know, it’s gonna be the same for the remainder of the year. I will be in the dark side.”

The Spaniard claims the first lap charge was the best of his long F1 career

The impressive opening lap Alonso put in during the sprint qualifying impressed everyone, even the Spaniard himself; He claims that his first lap charge at Silverstone is among the best of his long career in F1.

“Yeah, I think the first lap was one of the best. I know there are a lot of first lap performances that are understood like good ones, especially in the Renault days with a very good start,” said Alonso.

“But this one it was not only the start into Turn 1, it was Turn 3, four, six, nine. So it was a more complete lap.”

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Alonso will start the British GP from P7, ahead of Carlos Sainz, Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel, and the only retirement of the sprint race Sergio Perez. Therefore, it will be an uphill task for the Spaniard to finish in the top 10.

Fernando Alonso currently sits P11 in the drivers’ standings, eight points ahead of his teammate, Esteban Ocon. Fortunately, he has been on an upward trajectory lately; the Spaniard secured points in the last four races and will hope to continue his scoring streak at Silverstone.

Read More: WATCH: Alonso Crowns New Name for Sprint F1 Format After Blistering Opening Lap

Can Fernando Alonso replicate his Saturday’s sprint heroics at the main race? Let us know in the comments section below.