How will Alfa Romeo handle new lineup? 'This was the right time'

Bahrain will be a week of huge stakes for Alfa Romeo. In Barcelona the team faltered, and due to problems they are now way behind compared to their main competitors. In Bahrain, the team will have to try and put its house in order. Fred Vasseur is confident, despite the completely new line-up.

Because this year the only rookie in the field will drive for the Swiss team. Guanyu Zhou will make his debut in the top of motorsport next weekend, with veteran Valtteri Bottas alongside him. "I think it was the right moment for us to do the change. For me, it’s not an issue at all to start with a new line-up this season," Vasseur explained in conversation with Formula1.com after the shakedown in Barcelona.

"It was very important to have someone with huge experience of F1 and with Valtteri we have [that], and he will be supportive with Zhou. The collaboration is more than good so far between them." According to Vasseur, it will be good for Zhou to be able to watch Bottas with him. Alfa Romeo is trying to put as little pressure as possible on the Chinese driver, although the stakes are high in the coming days in Bahrain.

"Our focus switches to making the most of the time between now and the Bahrain test, and maximising our mileage when we get there. I am confident we can make up the time we lost and be fully ready for the season ahead," Vasseur concludes.