Before the Monaco Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso shared an honest view with Paddock Magazine on Aston Martin's prospects. The two-time World Champion noted that reaching the top ten would prove very challenging and outlined a technical matter the squad was addressing. Shortly afterward, however, Monaco provided a modest reward, as Alonso advanced to tenth place following the race to earn Aston Martin's first point of the season.

Even with Aston Martin's advanced Silverstone base, Honda's involvement and Adrian Newey's recruitment, the squad has faced a tough opening to the year. In Monaco ahead of the action, Alonso gave a grounded view of the team's position.

What outcome would satisfy you this weekend?

Fernando Alonso: Hard to predict. Based on the opening events, I would say there is little opportunity to score because the leading ten cars and five squads sit well clear of the rest.

Should one squad falter, another often steps up strongly. Haas performed well in China, while others have shown sudden pace. Reaching the top ten remains tough, yet we aim for the strongest possible result.

A few car elements require work, and Monaco will test them. The gearbox stands out.

Adjustments began in Miami, and Monaco leaves no room for an unplanned downshift, rear lock or sudden power surge, as that leads straight into the barrier and makes the driver appear at fault. At times the driver simply rides along.

Selecting a lower gear and receiving an unexpected engine surge leaves little room to react on a street track. This is the area we must refine. Monaco will reveal the facts and, with luck, confirm progress before Canada.

Alonso's forecast seemed sound at the time. Still, Monaco favors accuracy and experience, qualities the Spaniard holds in abundance. Although Aston Martin's speed stayed restricted, Alonso used every bit of performance on offer. He crossed the line outside the points, yet a penalty for Sergio Perez lifted him to tenth and delivered his season's first point.

One point alone, yet it highlighted a trait that has marked Alonso's career for over twenty years: when conditions look unfavorable, he still manages to gain the most from the situation.