Alonso expecting 'sad' Las Vegas Grand Prix spectacle

Fernando Alonso has stated that he is expecting to endure a “sad” Las Vegas Grand Prix due to the low grip asphalt.

During the race weekend, a number of drivers have voiced concern over the lack of grip present throughout the track.

Formula 1 is having its inaugural race around the Las Vegas Strip Circuit this weekend, with qualifying staged in the early hours of Saturday morning - Alonso ended the session in 10th place.

However, the Spaniard is set to start one place higher due to a penalty for Carlos Sainz, who was forced to change a Power Unit component after his car was hit by a loose drain cover during FP1.

The event has been heavily marketed by F1 since its announcement over 18 months ago and Alonso has admitted he's impressed by the establishment.

“I think it's good, I’m happy to race in a city like this one, crazy city, crazy setup,” Alonso told media including RacingNews365.com.

“All the facilities, they look great for the first year and in the second year, they will improve a few things.”

'Sad' race ahead, says Alonso

Alonso is expecting to be vulnerable to his rivals during the race due to Aston Martin's struggles in a straight line this year.

The Spaniard also highlighted that the low grip track surface will make it difficult to engage in on-track battles.

“The track is not super exciting with these long straights and things, the asphalt is super low grip,” he said.

“I don’t know why they don’t copy we know works like in Saudi Arabia or other circuits.

“Because that could maybe change the fun that we have behind the wheel or maybe they were taking tomorrow on things like that.

“We will not be able to go off line and this kind of thing, so it's sad.

“But the rest I think is quite impressive, what they did. It’s the way the sport is growing and we need to embrace it”