Fernando Alonso Claims Aston Martin Still Has "A Lot Of Potential To Unlock"
Despite a promising three-day pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit last week, Fernando Alonso is still cautious about the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team's potential for the 2023 FIA Formula 1 World Championship season.
As Sebastian Vettel retired, Alonso joined the team and took responsibility for much of the running across the three days as his team-mate Lance Stroll was ruled out of testing after a cycling accident.
Although Alonso has high hopes for the 2023 campaign, he remains grounded until the opening weekend of the season in Bahrain, where they can determine their position compared to their rivals.
The Spanish driver explained:
“It was a good day for us with lots of laps and we have learned a lot about the new car.
“But it is only testing and we do not know what everyone else is doing so there are still many questions to answer.
“Overall, the car felt competitive across the three days, but we need to compare to the others next week. There is a lot of potential left for us to unlock and I think we are in a decent place heading into next week.
“Our goal is to make a step forward from last year and we will take things step by step.”
Aston Martin's reserve driver, Felipe Drugovich, replaced the injured Lance Stroll on Thursday and Saturday morning, and Fernando Alonso was impressed with the way he adapted to driving the AMR23.
Drugovich, the 2022 FIA Formula 2 champion, demonstrated his skills behind the wheel, which garnered admiration from Alonso.
Alonso continued:
“We have missed having Lance here this week, but I have to say Felipe adapted very well and did a good job."