Whitmarsh draws line under row

McLaren CEO Martin Whitmarsh insists it will be business as usual this weekend as the team try to put the fracas in Hungary firmly behind them.

Lewis Hamilton’s win in Budapest was the only saving grace from a turbulent time which culminated in the young Briton and team-mate Fernando Alonso not speaking to one another.

Hamilton’s decision to disobey team orders during qualifying led to Alonso deliberately blocking the 22-year-old in the pits, a move punished by a six-place grid penalty for the Spaniard.

A war of words erupted in the aftermath before a simmering silence followed a race Hamilton won easily, with Alonso fourth.

The duelling duo have since spoken, seemingly in an effort to make amends, but with just seven points between them as they fight for the title, there is unlikely to be any let-up in their rivalry.

Yet despite the apparent feud, Whitmarsh maintains the events that unfolded in Hungary have had no adverse effect on anyone within the team ahead of the Turkish Grand Prix in Istanbul.

“Each race weekend has its own challenges and we faced some fairly unique ones at the Hungarian Grand Prix,” said Whitmarsh.

“There has been much in the press in the two weeks since, however none of this has affected the preparation and motivation of Fernando, Lewis and the team for this race.

“Every single member of the team is keen to get back to the racing this weekend in Turkey.”

Alonso, 26, reaches a milestone during the race as it will be his 100th grand prix start.

Istanbul Park is one of only two tracks on the calendar that runs anti-clockwise and after finishing second in the two previous races in Turkey, Alonso is eager to make it third time lucky on such a landmark occasion.

“It is always great to have a break and recharge the batteries, but it is fantastic to be getting back out on track,” said the Spaniard.

“I have a solid points total in the drivers’ world championship, and I aim to build on that considerably in Istanbul.

“We are in a strong position in both championships and there are a lot of points to be won in the final six races. However, we are looking at the races one by one, and my focus is on this grand prix and getting the best result possible in Turkey.

“I have come second in the two years we have raced here previously and I will be aiming to improve on that this time.”