Alonso: “The improvements are a step forward, we are closer”

Fernando Alonso then 7th at F1 2024 Hungarian GP qualifying sessionand although he was hurt by the red flag, which ruined his second attempt in Q3, the Spaniard was satisfied, especially because for the first time this season he saw how a good package of evolutions works.

Asturian featured the “step forward“represented by the evolutions shown on Aston Martin’s track in Hungary during the period of maximum pressure, after the problems that the green team had with the development of its car since last year.

The man from Oviedo emphasized the “need” the team has to see that all the work at the factory has consequences on the asphalt, something he says is clearly noticeable when driving the car.

More confidence to push and better times

Alonso emphasized that the new parts package gave him more confidence in the car and fulfilled the main goal of improving the handling of a car that until now did not allow him to go to the limit and attack as much as possible because it was difficult drive. . He said he had more ‘downforce’ in the curves (aerodynamic grip) to push and that was noticeable in the performance every lap, finishing 0.8 off the lead and without complications to enter Q3, an important step after many races suffering from Q1.

“Yes, I think we have to be very happy with seventh and eighth place. I think we are both in the top-10 again at a circuit where we are worried if it fits our package. So thanks for the new parts , we were a bit more competitive. We also found a rhythm in the evening, we made a lot of changes to accommodate the new package and I think the result was good, the points were given on Sunday, so we have to finish the work tomorrow,” he insisted.

“The parts improve the car in sensations and time. I think the lap time shows it we’re pretty close to the teams at the top and We don’t have the problems we have in Barcelona or Austria, for example, fighting in Q1. But as a feeling behind the wheel. You feel more grip AND more aerodynamic grip in the corners, and it also has more benefits, better tire wear and things like that. So the improvements are definitely a step forward” he explained.

“Whether it’s the start of a change? I don’t think so. I think it’s just a little confidence, a little less pressure on the team, bringing a package to the track that works as expected. And it worked well. It was very needed so I’m happy for the team,” he added.

Friday’s radio, taken out of context: I’m trying

In that sense, he wanted to clarify that the radio that broadcast the F1 event yesterday and seemed to raise an alarm because of the possible bad balance of the car was just an audio taken out of context, something the Asturian did. Dont Like. In fact, in FP2 the car improved with the set-up changes and continued to improve this Saturday. Also, he hopes to continue to advance in the next races after knowing that this Sunday’s race will be tied.

“Yesterday we played in some settings. It’s not that I wasn’t happy, I think they played some radio commentary as usual, very low broadcast level, but it’s okay,” expressed about it.

Greater room for improvement

“I think the more laps we do, the more we will learn about the package. Yesterday was very interesting. Today too, and I think tomorrow in the race, we will take advantage of a lot. I think the first two or three runs when you introduce a new package are important in finding direction. So I think the team did a very good job last night and we saw the performance today, let’s look for more tomorrow.”he continued.

Race, “a bigger challenge”

Regarding his aspirations for the race, Fernando Alonso also wants to confirm the development in long-term speed, one of Aston Martin’s weak points. There, it will be more complicated but Fernando will go for the points. Above all, the most difficult thing will be the temperature of the tires because unlike this Saturday, the sun is expected to shine and the heat will be intense in the race.

“Like in Q1 when there were mixed conditions with a few drops of rain, but even with dry tyres, I think that’s a track condition that we usually like. Our car likes it because we put a lot of temperature in the tire and it’s the opposite when it’s too hot, so let’s say tomorrow will be a bigger challenge for us.”