Fernando Alonso looks back with confidence on the first free practice sessions in Hungary. Aston Martin appeared at the Hungaroring with a new chassis and, according to the Spaniard, the first runs are yielding the results the team had hoped for. Although the Silverstone-based team still lags behind the top teams, Alonso sees the updates as an important step in development. The two-time world champion expects Aston Martin to be able to connect with the front of the midfield with these updates. “This is hopefully the first step,” said Alonso.
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After the Friday practice sessions, Fernando Alonso was positive about the first impression of the new Aston Martin. According to the Spaniard, the collected data confirms that the team has taken the right direction. “It felt good. I think we generally got what we expected in terms of numbers. That is, of course, important for the future, for next year’s car, and for the upgrades we still want to introduce this season. I have absolutely no doubt that Adrian Newey will deliver the best car on the grid sooner or later,” Alonso said in the paddock after the second free practice session.
‘Positive atmosphere’
Although Alonso is satisfied with the first signs, he emphasizes that Aston Martin still has a long way to go. The Spaniard therefore sees the new parts not as an endpoint, but as the beginning of a longer development trajectory. Nevertheless, he notes that the mood within the team has improved in recent weeks. “We still have a long way to go, because we started so far behind. This is hopefully the first step in a series of improvements. We still need to make strides with the chassis and also with the engine, but there is a positive atmosphere within the team. It is important that the car does what we expected beforehand,” said Alonso.
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For Alonso, the ultimate goal is clear: Aston Martin, according to him, must be able to rejoin the fight at the front of the midfield. Friday in Hungary therefore made him cautiously optimistic. “We still need to analyze the results properly, but I don’t think we are lacking much in the corners compared to the top of the midfield. That is our first ambition: to be at the top of the midfield. I think we can match that pace in the corners. Now it is especially important that we continue to work,” Alonso emphasized.
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