It was obvious that Fernando Alonso was not having a comfortable time returning to Formula One. But after a difficult start to the season, the two-time world champion has finally gained a foothold in the Alpine car. In addition, the former Ferrari man claims Alpine can beat the Maranello-based team on tracks with high tire wear.
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Fernando Alonso has regained his old form after the recent outstanding performances. He added 12 points to his drivers’ standings for the last two race weekends. He is also in 11th place in the drivers’ standings, five points ahead of his team-mate.
The two-time world champion lined up behind the two Ferraris at the French GP and crossed the finish line in front of them. In addition, the Spaniard hopes that Alpine can show more of it on routes with high tire wear.
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What did Fernando Alonso say?
Prancing Horses again showed a convincing performance in qualifying in Paul Ricard. With Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc who qualify on P5 and P7 respectively. But it turns out to be a disastrous Sunday for Ferrari as both drivers struggle with tire wear.
In addition, the Ferrari duo lost the order dramatically as they did not add any points in the championship standings and could only finish P11 and P16.
“In qualifying they are four tenths or half a second faster. But then in the race there are some tracks [where] They are very tough on tires like a Portimao or here and we have the chance to fight them, which is always nice, ”said former Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso.
Formula 1 F1 – Bahrain Grand Prix – Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain – Alpines Fernando Alonso arrives on the track ahead of the Grand Prix. REUTERS / Hamad I. Mohammed.
“But we saw on the street circuits that the energy they put on the tires helps on some street circuits. We saw Leclerc on pole position in Monaco and Baku. “
“Tire degradation will happen again this season”: Mattia Binotto
Ferrari had a terrible weekend at the Paul Ricard Circuit as neither driver made it into the top 10.
The team from Maranello excelled in qualifying, especially in qualifying in Monaco and the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Where Charles Leclerc won consecutive pole positions.
Meanwhile, Ferrari team boss Binotto believes that no changes can be made to his current car. He also admits that the tire problem will recur in a few races.
“Can we develop it on the current car through a simple development? We could probably improve the situation, but to solve it, some hardware changes would be required, for example to the rims, which is not possible in the regulations, ”said Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto.
Formula 1 F1 – French Grand Prix – Circuit Paul Ricard, Le Castellet, France – June 18, 2021. Ferraris Charles Leclerc during practice REUTERS / Yves Herman.
“It is more important for us that we are at a stage where we can understand and try to tackle it for the next year. In the meantime, this problem will recur in some races, but not on all tracks.
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After the French Grand Prix, the red slipped to fourth place in the constructors’ championship after McLaren put in an impressive performance at La Castellet. McLaren is in P3, 16 points ahead of Ferrari.
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Can Ferrari celebrate a comeback at the Styrian Grand Prix this weekend? What do you think? Let us know in the comment section below.
The post Fernando Alonso believes Alpine can attack Ferrari’s F1 weakness exposed at the French GP first appeared on monter-une-startup.
