Aston Martin, the British racing team that surprised many with their strong performance last season, is gearing up for another exciting year in Formula 1. As the 2024 pre-season testing in Bahrain concluded, veteran driver Fernando Alonso shared his thoughts on the team’s progress and the competitive landscape of the sport.
Alonso seemed confident about his team’s efforts, stating, “everything feels positive and we’ve done a good job so far.” He noted that the team had achieved their goals in the initial two days of testing, indicating a solid start to their preparations.
Aston Martin made a significant impression during last year’s pre-season tests, emerging as a surprise competitor to the leading Red Bull team. However, this year, the team has maintained a lower profile. Team principal Mike Krack mentioned that they have “progressed over the winter” and have made improvements in key areas.
During testing, Aston Martin’s race pace on the hardest compound, the C1, showed promise, indicating that they are competitive in the midfield. Data analysis suggests they are around four tenths of a second per lap behind Red Bull, positioning them in fourth place.
Alonso also acknowledged Red Bull’s dominance, recognizing Max Verstappen as the reigning world champion and highlighting the surprise factor of Red Bull’s new concept for this season. He added, “At the moment, we just have to watch them and see how they perform.”
Discussing the competitiveness of Formula 1, Alonso commented, “I think 19 drivers in the paddock now will think that [they] will not win the championship. It happens 99% of the time in your career. This is a brutal sport.”
While this year’s testing may not have matched the excitement of last year, Aston Martin remains firmly in the midfield battle, showcasing their potential to challenge for points and podiums in the upcoming season.
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