AlphaTauri "tick all the boxes on the programme" during second day of F1 testing

A new name on the Formula 1 grid. AlphaTauri are looking to continue the fine form that Torro Rosso achieved last season by starting the season strongly. In their new colours, Pierre Gasly recorded 147 laps with a best time of 1:18.121 during the second day of testing in Barcelona. 

With the number of test days reduced in the 2020 season (and with the help of just one red flag), teams have been getting their cars on track more than ever in the opening two test days. So far, everything has a nice neat tick in the box for AlphaTauri according to their technical director. 

"We covered a good number of test items together with some aero data collection with the rakes fitted and the normal systems and PU setting adjustments. The reliability of the car was again very good with a lot of kilometres completed, allowing us to tick all the boxes on the programme," Jody Egginton said.

"We have taken a further step in our understanding of the car and will be putting this data to good use in the coming days, both here in Barcelona and also back in Faenza and Bicester where the aero, design, and vehicle performance groups are flat out preparing numerous developments for evaluation.”

A long winter

Gasly continues on the same positive note. The Frenchman says the team are working on both new parts and his own driving style. 

“I was happy with today, I missed being behind the wheel a lot! The target was to do as many laps as we could, because with pre-season testing two days shorter this year, we have to try to be more efficient and cover more things," he said. 

"We tested a few more things compared to last year, also on my side in terms of driving, to understand how to get on top of everything, and there were some really positive results. There are many areas we are still exploring, we still need to figure certain areas out as it’s a new car with new parts. I think we found some good directions for the next few days, so now we have quite a lot to study.”