Alonso to race smart: 'Don't forget we have 23 races on the calendar'

Next season there will be a record number of races on the calendar. The year 2020 should have contained 22 races, but due to the coronavirus crisis there were less. Nevertheless Liberty Media is hopeful that they will be able to travel to all countries this season and that is why 23 races are on the calendar. For mechanics and teams this is a very tough time and even the drivers will have a different approach this season.

Fernando Alonso, who returns this year, also sees the difficulties for drivers. "One of the challenges this season is the long calendar for this championship. Not only for me is it a challenge, but for the whole team and for everyone in the paddock," explained Sainz at Speedweek.

Saving energy for final races

"We have to remember how many races it is and we try to save as much energy as possible during the season, even in the summer months from June to September. Even if you feel fit and strong, because the more energy you save, the stronger you are going to be in November and December," Alonso explained.

The Spaniard has spent the last three years trying out different racing classes, including long distance races. He knows better than anyone how to get the best out of the car with low energy. He therefore expects to have a good preparation behind him.

"The field is very competitive and we are aware of that. We have to make sure that we are as efficient as possible and that we encounter as few problems as possible," concludes Alonso.