Alonso, a move to play in Hungary?

Sixth on the grid and very fast in wet conditions on Saturday, Fernando Alonso could well spring a surprise during the Hungarian Grand Prix if rain disrupts the race.

Published on 31/07/2022 à 11:48

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6th on the grid, could Fernando Alonso play spoilsport in Hungary? © Antonin Vincent / DPPI

What if it was the day of Fernando Alonso in Budapest? If George Russell created a surprise by taking pole on Saturday, the Spaniard was very quick in the wet conditions. Qualified 6th, behind Lando Norris and his teammate Esteban Ocon, the double world champion could well stand his chance if the rain falls on the Hungaroring. “We have to be satisfied with having finished in the top 6 in qualifying. I was competitive in both the dry and the wet and I felt very strong in Q1 and Q2,” said the pilot Alpine at the end of the qualifications.

During qualifying, Alonso achieved a better time in Q2 compared to Q3. A time which could have placed him ahead of Ocon. “I thought I could qualify a little higher in the hierarchy, but a few of our opponents got ahead of us after their last laps in Q3” explained the Asturian pilot.

A more important place than it seems, since number 14 will start on the wrong, dirty side of the track. An additional difficulty on the tortuous route of the Hungaroring. “ We know it's difficult to overtake here and we'll position ourselves on the dirty side of the track on the grid, which doesn't help, but we'll see tomorrow! »

Alonso ahead of Hamilton, a remake ?

On the circuit which is most successful for him in his career in terms of number of points scored (137 points since 2003), Fernando Alonso knows he is at ease in Hungary. On the land of his first victory in Formula 1 (and only victory on the Hungaroring), the Spaniard had amazed everyone with his defense against Lewis Hamilton last season.

This year theAlpine will start in front of the Briton and the two Red Bull. Asked about his ability to repeat the feat, defending on cars faster than the A522, the Iberian responds with amusement: “I don’t think so, but who knows?” (…) We will do our best to score as many points as possible. » If the weather works in Fernando Alonso's favor, who knows what the driver could achieve Alpine...

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