Fernando Alonso Believes Aston Martin Are Ready To Take "A Step Forward From Last Year"

The two-time champion has spoken about his new team ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix.

Aston Martin look to be making a strong comeback for the 2023 season if their performance during pre-season testing last week is anything to believe. 

Spanish two-time champion Fernando Alonso parted ways with the Alpine team last year and is embarking on his first season with Aston Martin. The British team put in some fantastic lap times during pre-season testing in Bahrain last week and showed a level of performance that could put Ferrari to shame, as well as light levels of tyre degradation. Now, many are of the consensus that the team could be able to put pressure on both the Maranello squad as well as Mercedes. 

Speaking at the drivers conference ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix, the Spanish driver explained:

"I think it's always the same feeling for race one where you obviously prepare over winter and we have less and less test these days and you think maybe not 100% rating with a car, especially the change team.

"They'll be more time to adapt to many new things, but it's the same for everybody. So let's go.

"You never know what what the others are doing. So basically, you concentrate on your programme and let's see after this race. After Jedda or Australia, I think very different circuits where I think you will see more where where everybody is.

"I think we aim to make a step forward compared to last year, obviously Aston Martin went through some difficulties with the car and and some things that they discovered throughout the 2022. So I think this year we have a better baseline and we're happy so far.

The Spanish driver continued about his new team:

"I think there's a very ambitious project. What I found very talented people, people want to succeed want to win in the near future. So that was a very nice surprise.

"Everyone is pushing in the same direction knowing how difficult is going to be the task, but I said I think ambition will be the word out for now."

When asked if he expects to win a race this season, Alonso responded:

"I don't know."

Fans will be able to see just how competitive all of the teams are this weekend with the Bahrain Grand Prix kicking off the record-breaking 2023 season.