Formula 1

Alonso celebrates Alpine's engine improvement: "We took a big step forward

Fernando Alonso celebrated the Alpine's improved performance on the straights after the Azerbaijan GP and said the car does better with low air pressure settings

Fernando Alonso had a difficult start to the season, with only two points earned in the first five races. But in the last three races, the Spaniard's luck turned around, with 16 points accumulated. Last Sunday, at the Azerbaijan GP, Alonso achieved a great seventh place. More than the good result, what excited him was the improved performance of the Alpine engine.

"Nobody overtook me! They were opening the DRS and yet I was still ahead, so it was something very good. We've improved. We have more power, we are strong on circuits like this. Last year we had a lot of difficulties in Baku and this year we were competitive, so I think we've taken a big step forward," celebrated the Prince of Asturias.

"Reliability was a concern at the beginning of the year, and I'm actually on my fourth engine in eight races, but I think we have it under control now. I'm happy. It's a good feeling. We changed the concept, we changed the design, we changed everything. It is performing well, so I am happy and content with the effort of the whole team," said the two-time Formula 1 champion.

Fernando Alonso praised Alpine's work on the engine (Photo: Alpine)

Alpine's good performance on the straights was visible throughout the weekend, with Alonso leading the top speeds on the Baku street circuit. The Spaniard explained that the team opted for a setup with less downforce, which marries more with the characteristics of the car, but that this should not be repeated in Canada.

"We used what we thought was best for us and our car. Obviously, if you compare it to the others, apparently we were very fast on the straights and had more difficulty in the corners, and probably more tire wear because of that. But we will see which set-up we will choose for Canada. Maybe not this one, which was very extreme, but our car normally likes less air pressure," said Fernando.

Alonso now occupies the 11th position in the Drivers' World Championship with the six points he earned in Azerbaijan. Formula 1 returns next Sunday (19th), for the Canadian Grand Prix, with full coverage by GRANDE PRÊMIO.