Returning Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso believes there will be “a few surprises” when teams display their ultimate pace when the new season begins this weekend.
Alonso is making a comeback to Formula 1 following a two-year absence and is doing so with the outfit – now under the Alpine guise – with which he won both his world titles in the mid-2000s.
Formula 1 has retained most of its technical regulations, ahead of the 2022 overhaul, but alterations have been made in order to reduce downforce levels, mainly concentrated on the floor and bargeboards.
Alonso got his first taste of Alpine’s A521 during pre-season testing in Bahrain earlier this month and says he is eager to see where all of the teams stand.
“We covered a lot of mileage during testing, which is important as it gives you something to build on for the rest of the season,” he said.
“We also completed most of our programme during the three days in Bahrain, so we are relatively pleased on that front.
“In terms of performance it’s too early to tell, and I think we won’t know the true pecking order of the grid until the first qualifying session on Saturday.
“Everyone has low fuel, the fastest tyres fitted and full power from the engine. I expect there will be a few surprises.”
This weekend’s event will mark Alonso’s first Formula 1 grand prix since November 2018 and comes nine months after he confirmed his return with Alpine.
“There has been a lot of preparation for this moment, not only with the team during testing and the work done at both factories over the winter period, but also personally,” he said.
“Ever since I agreed to join Alpine, I have put a lot of effort in to be both physically and mentally prepared for this season.
“I learnt a lot in my time away from Formula 1, especially all the different styles of racing, but I’m now back in F1 and very motivated for what should be a challenging season ahead.”
