Fernando Alonso believes that Alpine’s great progress in the last two Formula 1 races is evidence of real progress, even if it “seems too good to be true”.
The Enstone-based team had a difficult start to the season as they struggled to make a big impact in midfield during the races in Bahrain and Emilia Romagna.
However, there was also caution before jumping forward in Portugal last weekend, as it was feared that its shape there could be flattered by the slow track characteristics and the grippy track surface.
In Barcelona, a venue that proved to be one of the toughest for the team last year, both cars made it through the third quarter and Alonso’s team-mate Esteban Ocon set the fifth fastest time in qualifying.
While Alonso knows the fight will remain very close in midfield, he believes what Alpine has shown in the past two events is a real picture of where the team is now building.
“I tend to think that McLaren and Ferrari are a bit faster,” he said. “At least in four races they were able to keep the pace more constant.
“But it’s true that we took a very big step in Portugal. We didn’t know if it was track specific or real. So it was very nice to confirm here in Barcelona that it was real and not just.” Portimao.
“I think the Alpine is now in the mix with Ferrari and McLaren, so that’s a very positive trend with what we’re seeing on the team now, and we’re very, very excited about the next few races.
“But we have to be careful and really confirm it. Because like I said, Bahrain and Imola compared to Portugal and Barcelona, it might seem too good to be true.”
“But obviously it’s true because both cars were in the third quarter and Esteban was sixth in Portugal and fifth here. So that’s good news.”
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Ocon believes that Alpine’s strong performance at the Spanish Grand Prix proved the team that they have a good car.
Ocon thought about what the performance meant: “It’s so encouraging. It’s confirmation that we wanted to come here.
“We obviously had a tough weekend last year. Then we came from Portimao, where the car worked relatively well last week, but it’s also a unique track where grip is pretty low and the tires are a little different from the rest of the world Year.
“When we came here to Barcelona everyone knew the track very well and all the teams are fast. So we kept going and found a few things in the car over and over during these two days, Friday and Saturday.
“I’m really pleased that we have the confirmation that it is working the way we want it and that we have the pace to be in the top five. It’s a great job from everyone in Viry and Enstone to keep going Dig, keep looking and here it paid off again like in Portimao, but I would say even better. “
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