Fernando Alonso: “I’m quite optimistic” for the coming season

After six intense days of driving between Barcelona and Bahrain, it is difficult for the moment to establish any hierarchy within the paddock of F1. It’s even less the declarations of each other – poke Mercedes – which will allow us to see things a little more clearly before the first Grand Prix of the year. On the side ofAlpine on the other hand, the 2022 season could be the one that puts the team back on track, more than seventeen years after its last world titles acquired against the ogre Ferrari, at the time. And it's not the experienced Fernando Alonso (40 years old) who will say the opposite, especially given the big changes and the ambitions displayed by his team in recent months.

“Obviously we have to wait and see how the first races go, explained the Spaniard at a press conference in Bahrain. We will also have a more precise idea of ​​what we need to develop, of the overall package of our car. But I am quite optimistic, given the great efforts that the team has made. »

With almost 300 laps completed and a new livery in the colors of the title sponsor unveiled in Bahrain, Alpine fulfills its objectives and advances confidently towards the first Grand Prix of the season on the Sakhir track this weekend (from March 19 to 21). We remember the succinct declarations of the team's bosses in recent years, hoping to see Alpine at the top in the years to come.

“We have the support of our President (Luca de Meo), of everyone at Renault. Alpine, who arrived in Formula 1 last year with this new regulation in his sights, wants to be a contender for victory in the future. If this future is in 2022 or 2025, to tell the truth, I don't know. »

Let us nevertheless note the good performance of the Iberian, who set the fourth fastest time in winter testing, on hard tires moreover (C4). The A522 could still have some under the hood, as Laurent confided Red at the microphone of F1TV. But like the other teams, we will have a more precise idea of ​​the rank of the French team following the first meeting of the season. Let us still hope that this future is closer to 2022 than to 2025. Especially for the Spaniard, who will celebrate his 41st spring this summer, and who will have to position himself between now and then on his future, since his contract is ending at the end of the season.

Lance stroll and Fernando Alonso showcase the first bit of racing action for the season! 🤩🥊#F1Testing #F1 pic.twitter.com/ermyLLpxuo

- Formula 1 (@ F1) March 10, 2022