Alpine updates bear fruit
For last weekend's Grand Prix d'Emilia-Romagna in Imola, the Alpine team brought updates to the A521. However, according to the French team's race director, Davide Brivio, these upgrades could offer a greater improvement in performance on other circuits.
Alpine had to bounce back after its very disappointing first race of the season in Bahrain, with Esteban Ocon finishing only thirteenth while the double Spanish world champion, Fernando Alonso, was forced to retire on the 34th lap of the race while fighting for points, due to a sandwich wrapper stuck in the ducts of his rear brakes…
However, the long-awaited comeback did not happen in Imola. The French team finished in ninth and tenth position, thanks to a time penalty, announced late, for Kimi Räikkönnen which pushed him out of the points. Alpine was never able to compete with the midfield leaders, namely McLaren and Ferrari.
Alpine’s racing director, Davide Brivio, does not see this weekend as a failure, stating that his team could feel a step forward with the updates made in Imola. However, he believes that they will be even stronger on other circuits, favoring the improvements implemented.
« We have found some improvements, yes, and they are working well,” Brivio said. « There could be the possibility that these updates might be more useful on other circuits. But yes, we are quite happy, and I think we have taken a step forward. We have closed the gap [to the cars ahead of us], I believe.”
In Formula 1, teams deliberately try to hide the performance indicators of their cars. Brivio therefore did not want to reveal how much time had been gained thanks to the new parts. However, he stated that there was a measurable difference compared to Bahrain.
« I don’t want to say it, [but] of course, we have a number,” he stated. « But I think I don’t want to divulge a number, to avoid creating too many expectations or disappointments. We’ll see. But of course, we have a number. We have a sense of improvement. We feel that it’s better, and that’s why we continue. »
« We feel it’s better »
Fernando Alonso, who is making his return to the paddocks this season, has also shared his feelings. He believes that the updated parts have helped Alpine achieve a better balance for the racing car. He shows confidence in his team’s progress.
« I think we improved the car from Bahrain to Imola, all the new parts were positive during the free practice sessions,” expressed Alonso. « The things we tested showed us that there was an improvement in terms of aerodynamic load on the car, and more aerodynamic support on the car. I think the balance is better than in Bahrain, with more grip at the rear. So overall, I think we took a step forward in the right direction.
« We have taken a step forward in the right direction »
At first glance, Alpine seems to be improving week after week at the beginning of the season, however, the team is not converting its progress into results. They are currently in seventh place in the championship with only 3 points. Already counting, respectively, 38 and 31 points behind McLaren and Ferrari, they will have to quickly materialize their developments in the upcoming races if they want to have a role to play in the highly competitive midfield this year.
