Alonso unsure ahead of testing: "Don't know where everyone stands"

The most attractive lure back to Formula 1 for Fernando Alonso was the new rules and regulations. The changes were delayed by 12 months, but on Monday afternoon Alpine finally presented their challenger. Alonso, who stepped on the podium in 2021, reveals he is confident for good results in the coming season. 

Long delay

The rule and regulation book was due to be reprinted in 2021, but due to the coronavirus pandemic Formula 1 bosses opted to delay the changes. In his first interview after the car reveal, Alonso reveals his excitment for racing this car. 

"It’s good to be back and I’ve been working hard to be ready for the new season. The build-up has been a long time coming after the rule change was delayed due to the pandemic. The car looks fantastic with the new regulations in place and I like the new livery," Alonso said.

Building on the success

In the constructors championship, the French team finished fifth but that doesn't tell the entire story. Esteban Ocon won the Hungarian Grand Prix, and Alonso returned to the podium later in the year. In the team launch for 2022, Alpine made it clear they wanted to progress from this. Alonso is confident, and looks forward to testing the car tomorrow in Barcelona. 

"We have a new engine and we’re confident we had a good development in place for this new generation of car. We won’t know where everyone stands until Bahrain, but we’re excited to take the car for its first spin in testing this week. I hope the new regulations have worked and we get more exciting wheel to wheel racing this year," Alonso concluded.