r the spot.Booker, who briefly watched the Nets summer league game on Tuesday, explained why he

Fernando Alonso says Honda has been invigorated by McLarens recent form, something he believes will help it find the bigger step needed to be a race-winner in 2017.McLaren has scored five top-eight finishes in the last six races, having promised after the summer break to finish the season as best of the rest in terms of pace behind Mercedes, Red Bull and Ferrari. Ahead of Hondas home race in Japan this weekend, Alonso thinks there are plenty of reasons to be encouraged.We are happy with the progress we made this year and definitely we are able to fight with some competitive teams there, like Force India, Williams, he said. Weve finished four times seventh, after the top teams, in the last five races, so its definitely a step forward and we are enjoying this process of starting to be competitive.But looking at next year I dont think we can see anything that is clearly positive or negative. I think everything will change massively. We need to work and be very focussed on next years car in a way now that is only theoretical, simulators, windtunnel numbers and dyno numbers, etc. I dont think the performance of the actual car is a reference for next year. So thats one thing... We want to be more competitive next year.A big step has been done from last year to next year, but we need another bigger step for next year which is going from the last Q3 spots and some points to fighting for podiums and wins. I think its still possible, we have the potential, we have the facilities, we have talented people. This project is, as weve said many times, a question of time when we will be able to win. We are trying to make it as quickly as possible.Alonso says the recent results have given Honda added motivation as it targets a winning car under 2017s radical rule changes.When asked to compare Honda to his experiences with Renault and Ferrari, he replied: I found it very interesting from day one, working with Honda. I think the philosophy and approach they have to racing in general, and in some extent to life, is interesting. Im a big fan of Japanese culture and traditions and I think they translate that into racing philosophy. Theyve been following their programme -- sometimes for us, sportsmen or fans, its frustrating as we want everything now, or tomorrow, but theres not this magic solution in Formula One, everything needs some time.But they are doing their job and doing the maximum. They are following their times...Everything made in Japan, only with Japanese people, and its their mission, so Im very proud to be part of this project since day one. And now the results are coming I think they are more motivated and starting to be more creative in terms of design and progress.Alonso also confirmed he will be running the upgraded Honda power unit he took on Friday in Malaysia, before switching back to the old specification in order to avoid taking a penalty at Suzuka. However, the Spaniard said the upgrade was for reliability and has has exactly the same power as the old specification Jenson Button will run.? Erik Lamela Hotspur Jersey . Shot outdoors against the stunning backdrop of Banff, Alta., the networks 30-minute original production airs tonight at 8pm et/5pm pt on TSN2. The four All-Star teams will play for $100,000 in prize money during TSNs annual skins game, airing live this weekend on TSN from The Fenlands Banff Recreation Centre. Kyle Walker-Peters Hotspur Jersey . Durant finished with 24 points and 13 rebounds, Jackson matched his career high with 23 points on 10-of-14 shooting and Lamb scored 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting, lifting the Thunder to a 94-88 win over San Antonio and snapping the Spurs 11-game winning streak. http://www.footballhotspurstore.com/Women-Harry-Winks-Tottenham-Hotspur-Jersey/ . -- Timbers coach Caleb Porter didnt stray from his business-like approach to the season even after Portland downed the two-time defending league champion Los Angeles Galaxy to gain crucial playoff position. Lucas Moura Jersey . -- The goal posts lying flat on the field, Arizonas fans lingered on the field, congregating around the locker room entrance nearly 30 minutes after rushing out of the stands. Fernando Llorente Hotspur Jersey . Only three players drafted by NHL clubs were included on the Czech selection camp roster on Wednesday. Those players were Dallas Stars 2012 first-rounder Radek Faksa, Winnipeg Jets 2013 fourth-rounder Jan Kostalek and Phoenix Coyotes 2012 seventh-rounder Marek Langhamer. LAS VEGAS -- The Brooklyn Nets added some veteran leadership to the mix Tuesday, reaching a one-year contract agreement with forward Luis Scola, a source confirmed.Ive known Luis since my days with the Rockets, and hes not going to talk a whole heck of a lot but hes going to lead with his work ethic and how he gets after it, Nets coach Kenny Atkinson said. I like how Luis has started to spread the floor, and hes just the ultimate competitor, the ultimate warrior. Hes 36, but hes been healthy his whole career because of how well he prepares and how well he takes care of himself. Were excited about having him.Scola started 76 games for the Toronto Raptors last season, averaging 8.7 points and shooting 40.4 percent from 3-point range. But he struggled in the playoffs, averaging just 2.5 points on 19 percent shooting from beyond the arc as he moved in and out of the rotation.The rebuilding Nets have added Scola, Jeremy Lin, Trevor Booker, Justin Hamilton and Greivis Vasquez this offseason, although Portland and Miami matched their offer sheets to restricted free agents Allen Crabbe and Tyler Johnson.Brooklyn general manager Sean Marks Plan B seems to be adding players on short contracts to maintain salary-cap flexibility moving forward.Scola is the oldest player on Brooklyns roster by seven years. Vasquez is 29.The agreement was earlier reported by The Vertical.Scola figures to battle for the starrting power forward spot with Trevor Booker, who signed a two-year, $18 million deal with Brooklyn.dddddddddddd think were going to let it play out, Atkinson said. I know those guys wouldnt want it any other way. I think theyre two competitors, they understand the NBA and theyre going to battle it out and compete for the spot.Booker, who briefly watched the Nets summer league game on Tuesday, explained why he chose Brooklyn.It was a great opportunity for me, Booker said. With Sean coming in place, theyve got Jeremy Lin, Brook Lopez down low, I thought it was a great opportunity for me. Sean came from the Spurs organization, which is the top organization in the NBA, and Ive known him for a little while now and I know hes a very smart guy and I believe in the direction that hes going to take the organization.Asked about potentially starting, Booker responded, Its not going to be given to me. Im going to go in with the mindset that I want it, so well see.Booker, 28, said he plans to bring hard work and leadership to the Nets.Thats whats kept me in the league so far, and I look to bring the same thing here, he said. Atkinson said hed like second-year pro Chris McCullough to push the veteran power forwards as well. He likes the diversity and skill sets at the positions. ' ' '