P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Fernando Alonso labelled Aston Martin’s 2024 Formula 1 challenger a “different car” compared to pre-season testing after he qualified sixth
After expressing concerns about their performance compared to a year ago, Fernando Alonso felt positive after finishing third in FP2, heading into qualifying. He acknowledged the need for Aston Martin to recover ground on rivals to match their previous season’s podium results. Despite landing sixth in qualifying, three-tenths behind Max Verstappen, Alonso was pleased to be ahead of Lewis Hamilton, McLaren, and Sergio Perez. The set-up changes to the AMR24 contributed to a more consistent and connected car, providing Alonso with a confidence boost. While optimistic about their qualifying performance, Alonso remains cautious about the tight race ahead, especially considering previous struggles with long runs. The team’s focus on development and a new car design concept gives Alonso optimism for the upcoming races, aiming to compete with top teams like Ferrari and Mercedes throughout the season.
