Szafnauer sees opportunities: 'Alonso's long runs were close to Ferrari'

Alpine F1 Team has been fast all weekend at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, but a second starting position for Fernando Alonso can still be called somewhat unexpected. Team boss Otmar Szafnauer expects there to be chances in Sunday's race.

Szafnauer tells Sky Sports F1 that Alpine had a strong pace all weekend. "Fernando's experience and skill came out well today to put him on P2. He has always been good at adapting quickly to changing conditions," Szafnauer let us know. Towards the end of qualifying, the track became increasingly dry and the times faster and faster.

Alpine also fast in dry weather

Alonso seems to have good chances for a podium on Sunday. Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez, normally candidates for a podium, will start from the back of the field. "Yesterday it looked good on a dry track. They [Alonso and Esteban Ocon] made long runs on the hard tires, so we got good information from that," says Szafnauer.

Szafnauer lets it be known that not many teams have done long runs, which should put Alpine at an advantage. "If I remember correctly, Alonso's long runs were close to the Ferrari's on Friday."