Alonso: a difficult season « It’s possible »

The descent into hell continues for the Spaniard qualified in 13th place for the Bahrain Grand Prix. He had often made mistakes during his previous team changes, which had worsened his situation. But everything went well between Alonso and Aston Martin from the very first moment.

Today, two years later, almost nothing is left. And Aston is more focused on next year’s new regulations than the present. The lack of motivation and disappointment are starting to show on the faces of the team’s two drivers. It will take some time before impressive talents like Adrian Newey or Andy Cowell can demonstrate their strength.

When asked about the difficulty of this season, Alonso replies: « It’s possible. It’s one of those seasons where you give your best in qualifying and end up starting 13th in the race. Before qualifying, we would never have imagined such a good result. And I don’t expect to score points in the race either. » Never would we have thought to hear the double world champion be satisfied with a mid-table position.

If he finishes in the top 10 at the Bahrain Grand Prix, it would be like a small victory for us, declares the 43-year-old driver, a bit weary, to the media. Nevertheless, Alonso holds onto a small glimmer of hope, as giving up in the top discipline is not an option. Every small progress, every better understanding of the car, every improvement counts. The team works day and night, especially here in extreme conditions, and they are not giving up. And I won’t give up either.

Alonso expects a very long race on Sunday evening. He believes that if they manage their tires properly and adopt an effective strategy, points could then be within their reach. The Spaniard states that he will do his best, with a pace difficult to maintain here, concluding: “I can’t wait to be there,” he says with a forced smile.

Back on the qualification

While a 13th place in qualifying might suggest there was an issue, Alonso has a different perspective on Saturday in Bahrain. To get through Q1, a considerable effort was required. The experienced driver had to use three sets of new tires in the first qualifying session just to clear the top 15 hurdle.

« We had three new sets of soft tires for qualifying and we used all three in Q1 because we weren’t sure if Q2 was achievable. In the end, when we made it, I only had used tires left for Q2. That’s the downside, he explains.

He missed out on reaching Q3 by more than half a second with worn tires. If he finished 13th and not 15th, Alonso owes it only to Esteban Ocon’s crash and the confusion surrounding Nico Hülkenberg. As a result, he found himself last among the drivers who were able to set a time. « We are pleased with the improvements made to the car and the performance coming out of the factory. And we motivate everyone to give their best », he said.