Performing just as good as before is a task most drivers returning to F1 after time away from the sport find difficult. Fernando Alonso, too, is facing the same peril this year, having exited the sport after the 2018 season. While he is still putting in decent performances, the Spaniard feels that he needs another eight or nine races to be his best.
Alonso currently sits in 13th place in the driver’s standings with just five points to this name. The Alpine driver hopes to bounce back in terms of performance and get better results for himself and his French team.
Fernando Alonso feels needs more time to get better results
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
As quoted by Speedweek, “I knew that I had to prepare well and that it would take the hours in the simulator and tests in Bahrain and Abu Dhabi. But I still have problems getting the most out of the car.” (Translated via Google Translate)
Watch Story: From Cristiano Ronaldo to Shaquille O’Neal: When Non- F1 Athletes Mingled with Lewis Hamilton and Co. on Track
“I thought I’d be 100 percent after three or four races. Now I think it will take eight or nine races. But there are things that always have to be improved. In the next 18 races of the season we will take 18 further steps in the right direction,” Alonso concluded.
The Spaniard isn’t confident about the race at Baku
Alonso didn’t have a good weekend at the recent Grand Prix at Monte Carlo, crossing the line in a disappointing 13th place finish. Moreover, he isn’t looking forward to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix either, since its a street circuit like Monaco.
Instead, he has high hopes for the French Grand Prix later in June.
As quoted by PlanetF1, Alonso said, “I think it will be more for when it’s not a street circuit. Baku would not be a good time. In this sense, the beginning of the championship is not the best possible calendar”
He added, “There was Imola, Portimao, two circuits where I haven’t driven for many years or never like Portimao and the rest of the drivers had driven there a few months ago in the last championship.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“And then two street circuits, Monaco and Baku. So the first six races of the championship have been a tough challenge to get used to. So from France, I am looking forward to a new championship for me.
“And from the steering wheel point [power steering] I hope to have something that allows me to feel a bit better the balance of the car and to be able to have better feedback than I feel now,” he concluded.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
With Fernando keeping high hopes for the French Grand Prix, do you think he can keep to his word and deliver? Let us know in the comments below.
Read More: Fernando Alonso Puzzled by F1 Weekend Mystery: “Doesn’t Make Sense”