Alonso expects « some surprises » in Bahrain
The two-time world champion remains cautious about the hierarchy between the teams at the Bahrain Grand Prix.
A comeback awaited by a large part of the paddock and F1 followers. Two years and almost 4 months after his last race (on board a McLaren), Fernando Alonso returns this weekend to the premier discipline. The Spanish driver will be in the Alpine number 14, for the start of a new chapter with the Renault team.
No trend before Q1 Saturday.
Injured during preparation due to a fall while cycling, the two-time world champion is indeed here. More motivated than ever, Fernando Alonso makes his return to Formula 1 at the Bahrain International Circuit. “I really can’t wait to start the weekend in its entirety,” enthuses “the Bull of Asturias” in the official press release from the Alpine team.
Almost a philosopher, Alonso considers that he learned during his non-F1 experience between the end of 2018 and the end of 2020, in WEC, in IndyCar, or at the Dakar. Pleased to have completed the entire preparation program during the winter tests, the former Ferrari driver, however, is unclear about the hierarchy. Will he cross the Q3 threshold aboard the Alpine on Saturday afternoon?
« In terms of performance, it’s too early to say anything. I expect some surprises. »
« I think we will not know the real hierarchy until the first qualifying session on Saturday when everyone will have little fuel, the fastest tires, and full engine power.
We have also covered over 2000 kilometers in tests, so we feel ready on this track for the weekend even if we saw during the tests that weather conditions can have a huge impact on the performance of the car. We will have to stay on our guard. I am aiming for a solid first weekend.
Alonso: « We saw during the tests that weather conditions can have a huge impact on the car’s performance. »
Targets set without getting too wet, no top 10 announced, the Spaniard remains cautious for his return to F1. It is up to him to do better than his predecessors. In 2020, Daniel Ricciardo finished 7th in the Bahrain Grand Prix. Alonso’s new teammate, Esteban Ocon, finished 9th before stepping onto the 2nd place of the podium the following week at the Sakhir Grand Prix, which was held on the “oval” version of the track.
