2024-02-12 09:05:20
Even following 378 Formula 1 World Championship appearances and 20 years in the premier class, Fernando Alonso is hungry for success and as fresh as a GP newcomer.
Ahead of his second season with Aston Martin, the 32-time GP winner said: “We try to learn from the weaknesses we identified last year and every year we try to go into the new season better prepared. I believe we have addressed all the necessary points and I feel better than ever.”
Aston Martin technician Dan Fallows believes Red Bull Racing can be defeated. Fernando Alonso continues: «I’m happy when he says that. That puts a smile on my face. I think we have to be optimistic at this stage of the season. We saw last year that Ferrari was really strong and achieved some pole positions in the latter part of the year. McLaren also made a big step over the course of the season and was close to Red Bull Racing in some races. So it’s doable.”
“I guess we first have to regularly finish in the points and, like last year, be a contender for podium places as often as possible. If we are in this position it would be nice to get the first win for Aston Martin, hopefully with me behind the wheel. But we have to take it step by step. It’s going to be very tight. This year four or five teams will be within two or three tenths of a second, I’ll bet on that.”
«I’m not staying in Formula 1 just to drive and have fun. I’m not that kind of driver. If I want to continue driving, it will only be because I know that I can give the team 100 percent on and off the track.”
What insights did the 2005 and 2006 Formula 1 champion gain regarding the 2024 car in the racing simulator? Fernando continues: “I drove the car virtually in the simulator a few weeks ago, but the most extensive program will only take place next week following we get the car on track.”
“So it’s still very early to see differences between last year’s cars and this year’s cars. In Bahrain on the track we will find out the truth regarding everything. It should be a good step forward.”
“Some of the weaknesses that we identified last year, some of the inconsistencies that we had last year on the different tracks where we were more or less competitive, we tried to eliminate them. I’m reasonably happy with what’s intended with all of these changes.”
“I am confident that we have understood what did not go well in 2023. If not, I wouldn’t have slept well for the last two months! I firmly believe that we will be able to be at the forefront once more.”
«We tried a lot and made a lot of changes to understand the problems and the direction we are taking this year. I think we took a good step forward this winter.”
“But I know that it will be very close. So even if we take a sensible step forward, we know that the other teams are doing the same. Improving by a few tenths of a second can make a big difference. It’s just a small update to bring to the next race and let you jump from Q2 to a podium. It’s going to be a very interesting season.”
What did Alonso wish his technicians wanted? «As far as the car is concerned, I would like a little more downforce, especially in high-speed corners. That was a weak point last year. The top speed wasn’t the best last year either. We always struggled on the straights and we were always at the bottom of the list in terms of top speed. So we’re trying to be a little more efficient this year, a little quicker on the straights.”
Formula 1 presentations
February 13: Ferrari
February 14: Mercedes
February 14: McLaren
15. Februar: Red Bull Racing
Formula 1 winter tests
02/21 until 23.2. in Bahrain
Formula 1 World Championship 2024
02.03. Bahrain-GP, Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir
09.03. Saudi-Arabien-GP, Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Dschidda
24.03. Australien-GP, Albert Park Circuit, Melbourne
07.04. Japan-GP, Suzuka International Racing Course, Suzuka
21.04. China-GP, Shanghai International Circuit, Shanghai *
05.05. Miami-GP, Miami International Autodrome, Miami *
19.05. Emilia Romagna-GP, Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, Imola
26.05. Monaco-GP, Circuit de Monaco, Monte Carlo
09.06. Kanada-GP, Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, Montreal
23.06. Spanien-GP, Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Montmeló
June 30th Austrian GP, Red Bull Ring, Spielberg *
07.07. Großbritannien-GP, Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone
21.07. Hungarian GP, Hungaroring, Budapest
28.07. Belgian-GP, Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Spa
25.08. Netherlands GP, Circuit Zandvoort, Zandvoort
01.09. Italian-GP, Autodromo Nazionale di Monza, Monza
15.09. Aserbaidschan-GP, Baku City Circuit, Baku
22.09. Singapur-GP, Marina Bay Street Circuit, Singapur
20.10. Austin-GP, Circuit of the Americas, Austin *
27.10. Mexico-GP, Hermann Rodriguez Autodrome, Mexico-Stadt
03.11. Brasilien-GP, Autódromo José Carlos Pace, Interlagos *
23.11. Las Vegas-GP, Las Vegas Street Circuit, Las Vegas
01.12. Katar-GP, Losail International Circuit, Doha *
08.12. Abu Dhabi-GP, Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island
* im Sprint-Format
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