Alfa Romeo’s Antonio Giovinazzi says improving his one-lap pace is a primary target as he bids to break into the points for the first time in Formula 1.
Giovinazzi explained pre-season that unearthing the final few tenths on Pirelli’s softer rubber was an area he needed to target, and the Italian struggled early in 2019.
Giovinazzi made Q3 for the first time in Azerbaijan and went on to out-qualify Alfa Romeo team-mate Kimi Raikkonen, but a 10-place penalty for taking on fresh engine components left him at the back.
Giovinazzi went on to classify in 12th position in Baku meaning he is still chasing his first top 10 result in race trim in 2019.
“I just need a bit more luck and a clear weekend and I’m sure we can have a better result,” said Giovinazzi ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix.
“So far I’m happy with the team and what I’m doing, I need just… this year is quite difficult because the midfield is really tight and you need to put it all together, especially in qualifying.
“And this is what I need to learn more just to put the lap together, and when you start in front the race is a lot easier than when you start in the back.”
Giovinazzi spent almost two years out of single-seater racing after finishing as runner-up in the 2016 GP2 Series.
Giovinazzi had multiple test and practice outings for Ferrari, Haas and Sauber, but did not compete in a grand prix between China 2017 – when he was a late replacement for Pascal Wehrlein – and Australia 2019.
“If they ask you to stop your work for two years and then you come back you feel a little bit strange or lost,” he said.
“This is what I was feeling especially on the first two races but now it’s getting better and there is just coming more natural I would say.
“Until you’re doing just testing or FP1 the stress is not there, as it’s not like your weekend, your car, so it’s completely different.
“When you’re on the race weekend you’re working for you, the pressure is there, so it’s different.”
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