Why Alonso Was Surprised After Driving 2020 Renault Car

Initially when it was announced that Fernando Alonso would be making a return to F1 with Renault, many felt that it wasn’t a wise decision as Renault weren’t seen as overly competitive. However, they have been improving steadily and have since scored a podium finish. Alonso also got a taste of the 2020 car during a filming day recently. He has now given his opinion on the current Renault car

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0:00 - Alonso Surprised By Renault’s Progress
4:51 - Fast Feed

Alonso began by describing how it felt to drive an F1 car again

It felt amazing to be able to drive these cars after two years and feel the speed again, how everything comes so fast, corner after corner, the performance under braking and all the things a Formula 1 car has to offer. To feel it once again felt nice.

The filming day was held in Barcelona which happens to be Alonso’s home track. He gave his thoughts on that

Of course. It made it special to be back in Barcelona. I remember the year 2000, I drove the Benetton here with the Enstone guys. Now, in 2020, it’s with Renault, so it’s a special track and I have lots of good memories here. It’s a track I know very well, so it’s been a good day.

Alonso then elaborated on everything he did during this test program

Most of the day was a little bit of filming with some drones on track and some action behind the camera. At the same time, it was about working with the team to do a couple of laps and for me to find comfort in the seat, the steering wheel and the pedals. These are things for next year which, over winter, could be very tight. It’s our first steps.

He then explained why the car and the engine surprised him while accepting that he couldn’t push the car to its limits

I think the car was a nice surprise. We know the car is performing well at the last couple of races and I felt the grip and certainly good potential in it. Also the engine, the last time I drove a Renault engine was in 2018 and I felt a step forwards, which is quite important there. Everything felt good. I wasn’t able to maximise the performance of the car because I’m not up to speed yet, but I’m happy with the day.

He further explained how he is already feeling at home with the team

I felt at home already from day one. There is this atmosphere at Enstone, and in this team, that everything is so simple and logical in everything they do. I’m comfortable here with Renault. A lot of the people who worked today, worked as mechanics in my days in the team. When you know the faces and the team, everything comes a little easier.

Alonso then gave his impressions on the team’s recent performances including Daniel Ricciardo’s podium

Absolutely, I watch every race. I’m in the weekend even from a distance. I follow every lap. The podium was very well deserved, finally. I’m so happy for everyone. Cyril might be a bit worried for the tattoo but, other than that, it was a fantastic moment.

He also revealed how he congratulated the team after their first podium in 10 years

Yes, absolutely. I was waiting for the last lap. I was so happy for everyone. I wrote the message and then had my finger on send until Daniel crossed the line. I didn’t want to send it in case for luck reasons!

Alonso signed off by responding to whether the podium makes him more excited for his return next year

I’m still the same after Sunday. I know what the team is capable of and I know the prospects for the future are good. The podium is a thing that had to happen. Most important thing is to follow the trend that we see now, keep the momentum into next year, especially for 2022, and I think we know how to do it.
Fast Feed

Renault’s Daniel Ricciardo stated Hamilton “has been in the sport for over a decade now and it is not easy to keep showing that level of consistency”

He also feels that “the gift he received, one of Michael's helmets, is one of the coolest gifts” he has “seen in the sport”

Sidelined F1 driver Nico Hulkenberg has explained that “everything happened so fast” during the race at the Nurburgring

McLaren’s Carlos Sainz has divulged that he “didn't feel comfortable in the car” after the latest upgrades were installed

His teammate Lando Norris reaffirmed this by stating that when he “had the new parts on” his car and he “never really felt confident”

Ferrari's sports director, Laurent Mekies feels that their junior drivers “are at the point where” they are getting close to the level of Formula 1”

Toto Wolff has said that “from a sporting point of view” the suggestion to reduce race weekends to just Saturdays and Sundays gets his “vote”

His driver Lewis Hamilton agrees as “it means that 22 days a year, 20 less cars will tear around the track and pollute the air”

Sebastian Vettel, however, feels that “the preparation for the Grand Prix will then take place behind closed doors” which won’t be good for the fans
Which Ferrari junior should be first to get an F1 seat?

Видео Why Alonso Was Surprised After Driving 2020 Renault Car канала Formula World