Alonso: 'Impossible' for tow to improve Aston Martin qualifying result

Fernando Alonso believes it would have been "impossible" for Aston Martin to improve on 10th in Italian Grand Prix qualifying even with the use of a slipstream.

Although the AMR23 machine has proved quick at a variety of tracks this season, it has had a weakness in terms of aerodynamic efficiency all campaign, and is a draggy car.

The AMR23 has been impressive this season to provide Alonso with seven podiums and third in the Drivers' standings, though it has found a weakness at high-speed circuits that require low-downforce configurations.

This left weekend prospects low for the Silverstone-based team at Monza and Alonso's chances were hurt by Lance Stroll's Q1 elimination, which took away the option of creating a slipstream for extra straight line speed.

Alonso expected Aston qualifying

But suggesting there was nothing that could have helped an improvement in Q3, Alonso told media including RacingNews365: "The track characteristics are for sure not very friendly with our car, it is a very efficient track in terms of aerodynamics and drag level is very important here with only six corners.

"The rest is just flat out on the straights and we knew that it could be a tough weekend - and we confirmed that in FP1 and FP2.

"We estimated [we would be between] P9 and P12 [in qualifying], and we are right in the middle in P10.

"There are no surprises but it is going to be a tough race and we still have to score points even if it is a difficult one.

"I was not happy to be out first [in Q3], but now when I see that we are four or five-tenths from P9 (0.562s to Lando Norris in P9), it is impossible with any tow.

"We are in the position we deserve and need to make the car stronger at these type of tracks - Williams is a clear example at these kinds of tracks.

"They are outstanding so we need to see what we can improve."