Alonso: New cars will be more interesting to drive

Fernando Alonso finished third in his debut Qatar Grand Prix, his first podium since returning to Formula 1. He loves the Losail circuit, but as the asphalt surface has been completely renewed it is not yet clear how this will improve grip to influence.

Fernando Alonso: “This circuit is great to drive, the fast corners are perfect for Formula 1 cars and here you really feel the adrenaline rush. This year the experience will be slightly different to our first taste of the circuit, as the asphalt has been completely renewed, the paddock infrastructure has been modernized and we hope we will have a fun weekend.

I think driving a new generation car will feel even better, because they work more efficiently in fast corners than in slow corners, and on this track the speeds are very high. The only question is the new asphalt. We don’t yet know how much grip it offers, and to what extent the dusty surface will cause difficulties during tomorrow’s training. In addition, the weekend program includes a sprint, which gives the events extra spice.

In terms of our expectations, we assume that the picture this weekend will not be much different from that in Suzuka. I don’t think anyone is going to introduce any major new products, and the characteristics of the Losail corners are reminiscent of the Japanese circuit, so the balance of power is unlikely to change noticeably.

McLaren in particular continues to gain momentum, with the team’s drivers showing excellent speed, although we have seen that the situation can change from weekend to weekend. Lando Norris showed good results in Austria, at Silverstone, in Hungary, but for example in Zandvoort we reached the podium and McLaren had some problems. “Now they are confidently taking points and that is not a problem, but only after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will it become clear whether McLaren can beat us in the constructors’ championship.”