F1 | Aston Martin, Alonso's first sensations: "The car performed well"

Among the debuts that characterized yesterday's Abu Dhabi test was that of Fernando Alonso. The Spaniard, who on Sunday concluded his professional experience in Alpine with which he returned to Formula 1 on a permanent basis after three years of absence, covered his first kilometers driving the Aston Martin.

A session useful to the two-time world champion, who has taken Sebastian Vettel's place in the British team and will share the garage with Lance Stroll, to familiarize himself with the environment in which he will spend the next few seasons. Alonso's sensations were positive, however postponing a more in-depth analysis until next year when he will have the chance to drive the AMR23. In fact, Fernando drove the AMR22, the single-seater with which Aston Martin took to the track in 2022.

"I couldn't wait for today to arrive (yesterday, ed.) – declared Alonso – It was a very nice experience: a very special day trying the car for the first time, getting used to the team and the car, meeting all the mechanics, engineers and trying to remember many new names in a short space of time. Nothing really surprised me: the car performed well. We did 97 laps without any problems. There are things to review. For example, the seat wasn't perfect because I have a little pain in several places, so we will have to make a new one when we have a little more time. Plus the steering wheel controls, the radio volume – all these little things we have to perfect. It is always important to get these sorted as soon as possible so you can concentrate on the car".

Alonso, completing his analysis, added: “We have to work hard this winter, spending many hours in the simulator, learning all the controls and procedures of the steering wheel: they are very different to what I am used to. I have to practice until they become automatic in my head, in my fingers, arriving in Bahrain 100%. Next year's car will be very different to this one, so any feedback you get from this one isn't really relevant when we drive the AMR23. But I saw some different philosophies in the setup of the car, in the development of the car and in the management of the engine. There are many things you get initial feedback from; we'll have to sit down and try to make the best of everything. It is felt the energy in the team and how motivated everyone is. I can't wait for next year. I felt a very special atmosphere in the garage".