Fernando Alonso is not expecting Aston Martin to repeat its podium from the Bahrain Grand Prix last season, admitting “12 months ago we were in a stronger position”.
Alonso capitalised on Aston Martin’s resurgence as a front-runner last term to finish third on his debut for the team, commencing a run of six podiums in eight races.
But while Aston Martin is optimistic that it has made a step forward with an evolved AMR24 car, Alonso believes that the team is not as strong relative to the competition.
The Spaniard propped up third on the timesheets in the representative twilight FP2 session, under three-tenths behind Lewis Hamilton, who fronted a Mercedes 1-2.
Alonso detailed he was also content with the handling of Aston Martin’s 2024 car but conceded that it was hard to draw comparisons on the pecking order at this stage.
“It felt okay. Obviously we don’t know what the others are doing. We just completed our programme,” Alonso said.
“We know the tyres quite well from the test so we sacrificed a bit FP1 using the Mediums so we concentrated a bit more in the performance with two Softs.
“Now in FP2 we learn a little bit from the car. I think a few set-up changes that we are quite happy with the result so let’s see tomorrow when we put everything together in qualifying and same for everybody.”
Although the two-time champion admits Aston Martin must unlock more speed overnight, he has cautioned that Bahrain is the beginning of a record 24-race calendar.
“I mean difficult to read,” he added. “I’m a little bit surprised that we are a little bit high on the times but this can change dramatically if the fuel loads are different to everyone else.
“So, you know, I remain calm. I’m happy with the set-up changes we need today. I think we still need to find more performance.
“I think 12 months ago we were in a stronger position, I would say, here in Bahrain. But yeah, let’s see. I’m happy. I’m going into the first qualifier of the season positive.
“Thinking on a very long season, so we need to start with the right foot for sure, but it’s not only Bahrain. I think we need to look forward also for the next coming event.”
Meanwhile, Lance Stroll improved from 14th in FP1 to eighth in the second practice hour and the Canadian is optimistic after making some positive changes to his car.
“Overall, it’s been a solid day here in Bahrain. I think we made a step in FP2, the car felt good with the set-up changes we made,” Stroll documented.
“I haven’t looked fully into the long run pace yet but the car felt pretty good, so that’s positive.
“Obviously, it’s still early days and we don’t know what others were doing with their fuel loads in the session. We’ll know a lot more after qualifying and the grand prix.”
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