Alonso and Stroll at the wheel of the AMR23 in Barcelona this week
Aston Martin has begun preparations for the 2025 season. For 2 days, Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll took part in tests on the Barcelona track.
The team based in Silverstone took advantage of the TPC (Testing Previous Cars) regulation, which allows teams to use cars from previous years for practice sessions. These tests, regulated by the FIA, permit a maximum of 1000 kilometers per session.
It is therefore far from the English base, on a circuit where the weather conditions are better, that the Aston Martin team began its tests. Fernando Alonso was the first to hit the track behind the wheel of the AMR23 (car for the 2023 season) on the Catalan track known for its technical demands and variety of corners. The Spaniard completed several stints, using this run to regain confidence in his driving after the winter break. He took the opportunity to scrutinize every detail and sensation to optimize his single-seater. On Wednesday, it was Lance Stroll’s turn, with the goal of getting back into the swing of things before returning to the track with the new car. The irregularities of previous seasons have earned him multiple criticisms, damaging his confidence behind the wheel.
The use of the AMR23 also allows the team to collect useful data ahead of the debut of the new single-seater, the ARM25, which will be unveiled in a few days.
Mike Krack, director of Aston Martin, recently reminded us: « Every day on the track, even with an old car, is a piece of the puzzle for 2025. »
Even if the information gathered cannot be directly applied to the 2025 car, these tests help fine-tune the settings for more performance, safety, and comfort in the car. This will not be superfluous given Alonso’s reactions following the latest Grand Prix. « I will finish the race for the mechanics. They did a very good job today. — But my back hurts. This bouncing is not normal », he stated during the 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix.
The objective was also to strengthen cohesion within the team. Aston Martin will continue its preparations with new test sessions in Abu Dhabi during the official pre-season tests.
