Alonso encouraged by Honda progress


McLaren's Fernando Alonso of Spain enters the Marina Bay Circuit ahead of the Singapore F1 Grand Prix Night Race in Singapore, September 15, 2016. REUTERS/Jeremy Lee

SEPANG, Malaysia (Reuters) - Fernando Alonso was encouraged after trying out an updated Honda engine in his McLaren, even if running it in Friday’s practice sessions means he will be forced to start Sunday’s Malaysian Grand Prix from the back.

The Spaniard carries a 30-place grid penalty into Saturday’s qualifying session as the new power unit fitted to his car pushes his use of engine-related components further beyond his permitted allocation.

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