A new rear wing for Alpine in Barcelona

After introducing a new floor in Italy, Alpine is now working on its rear wing, the design of which will evolve significantly during the Spanish GP, according to Otmar Szafnauer, the boss of the French team.

Published on 19/05/2022 à 12:17

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After the introduction of a new floor in Melbourne, Alpine tackles his rear wing for Barcelona @Photo DPPI

Failure to score points with his two cars in Miami – Alonso received two penalties at the end of the race, ejecting him from the top 10 – Alpine seems able to fight with its competitors. The French team nevertheless struggles with consistency throughout the weekend, with sometimes avoidable problems. But after starting the development of its A522 from the ground up at Imola, Alpine should introduce a new rear wing in Spain, on its two single-seaters, according to Otmar Szafnauer.

Both Alpine in the dots, “this is the minimum required”

Relegated to the championship more than twenty points behind McLaren, and despite interesting performances, as evidenced by Alonso's qualifying in Melbourne before a hydraulic leak in Q3, the French team must correct the situation. On a circuit that the teams necessarily know by heart, this will once again be an opportunity to introduce new elements for the entire field. And Alpine is no exception to the rule, with this new rear wing:

“This year's championship is intriguing as all teams are looking to improve their cars, confides Otmar Szafnauer. So far we are pleased with the improvements we have made to the A522 to stay ahead of the second-party teams, including the new floor on both cars, which has worked well.

Our development program is in full swing and we will keep you updated on upcoming events. For Barcelona, both cars will have a new rear wing, which is much more efficient than the previous design. »

While the French team had the opportunity to score important points in Miami after a complicated qualifying session – Alonso eleventh, Or with package – the Spaniard was sanctioned twice for his too muscular pass of arms with gasly and a cut corner in the final laps, relegating him out of the top 10 at the finish. A heresy for the American, who wishes to see Alpine in points more regularly.

Ocon and Alonso have not been able to score points at the same time since the first Grand Prix of the season, in Bahrain.

“The objective is to have both cars in the points, […], notes Szafnauer. If we are to achieve our goals for the year, this is the minimum required for the remaining Grands Prix. We have consistently demonstrated that we have a competitive car and it is important now that we convert this promising pace into points on Sunday.

We definitely plan to bounce back from Miami by having a much better and cleaner race weekend. We can only control what is in front of us, so that is the goal in Barcelona and both drivers are ready to do it. »

In Spain, on a more traditional circuit, it will also be an opportunity to see the true rhythm of the Alpine against competition. A life-size test for a team which still hopes to reach the heights in the years to come.