McLaren driver Fernando Alonso says he is happy with the team’s progress after his difficult start to the campaign. The Spaniard blamed a “steering problem” for the pre-season crash that led to him missing the first race of the calendar in Australia. Alonso, 33, retired from the subsequent Malaysian GP but says he is looking forward to Sunday’s race in China. “That sort of progress really gives the whole team belief and confidence in the path we’re taking,” said Alonso. “The steps we took between Australia and Malaysia were extremely impressive.”