Antonio Giovinazzi has outlined a podium position as a “dream” target for himself and Alfa Romeo but has accepted points finishes are a more realistic ambition.
Ferrari-linked Giovinazzi has started all 40 of his grands prix with Alfa Romeo and has been retained for 2021, marking his third successive season, alongside 2007 champion Kimi Raikkonen.
Giovinazzi, who took a best of fifth at the 2019 Brazilian round, scored only four points last year – the same as Raikkonen – as Alfa Romeo struggled for overall pace.
Alfa Romeo has finished eighth in the Constructors’ Championship for the last three seasons and last scored a podium in 2012.
Alfa Romeo unveiled its Ferrari-powered C41 during an event in Warsaw’s Grand Theatre with Giovinazzi, Raikkonen and reserve driver Robert Kubica in attendance.
“Having two full seasons with the team means that I already know much better the people around me, so that our work can be better,” said Giovinazzi.
“Of course, the target is still the same: scoring a lot of points together. My dream would be to score a podium with this team, that would be at the top of our list, but first we need to see where we are in terms of performance and speed.
“I am confident that we can do very well this year. As a driver, I want to keep improving, like I did last year compared with the first season, and do another step forward.”
Giovinazzi conceded that “we know it may once again be a tricky one, but I am confident the hard work we all did during the winter in the factory will pay off.
“On my side, I have trained very hard and I am just looking forward to being in the car for the first test and then finally for the first race.”
The C41 is due to be shaken down at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on Friday.
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