Aston Martin’s efforts to fully comprehend the effects of its recent car upgrades may be impeded by the upcoming Austrian Grand Prix. This race will serve as the second sprint round of the season following the event in Azerbaijan. The new format consists of a qualifying session on Friday to determine the grid for the main race, while the sprint event, featuring a qualifying shootout and race, takes place on Saturday. As a result, teams will only have one free practice session on Friday afternoon to fine-tune their setups and validate any car enhancements. Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso expressed concerns about the limited practice time, acknowledging the need for more opportunities to familiarize himself with the upgraded car and optimize its performance. Despite these challenges, Alonso remains hopeful that the Austrian circuit, which may better suit the car’s capabilities, will provide a slight advantage and allow for further progress.
Seeking Clarity in Performance
Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack is eager for the upcoming races to offer a clearer understanding of his team’s position relative to its rivals. Krack believes that the unique nature of the previous race in Canada made it difficult to gauge the true performance of the car. He suggests that it is essential to wait a few races before drawing accurate conclusions. Krack emphasized that Red Bull currently holds the advantage but attributed other factors, such as the specific conditions of the day, the compatibility between the circuit and the car, and the choice of tires, to potentially influencing performance. Despite this, Krack is not overly concerned about a potential drop in performance at more traditional circuits, as he believes the recent upgrades have shown promise. He anticipates that the upcoming high-speed circuits will demonstrate the car’s true capabilities and provide a better indication of the team’s standing.
Looking Ahead
As Aston Martin prepares for the Austrian Grand Prix, the team faces the challenge of fully understanding and optimizing its recent car upgrades within limited practice time. The sprint format introduces constraints on testing and refining the car’s setup, potentially hindering Aston Martin’s progress. However, Fernando Alonso remains optimistic that the Austrian circuit will be more favorable for the team’s package, offering the opportunity to showcase improved performance. Team principal Mike Krack hopes that the upcoming races will provide a clearer picture of the team’s position relative to its competitors, given the move away from the atypical Montreal circuit. Although Red Bull currently leads the pack, Krack believes that the team’s recent upgrades have been effective, particularly in high-speed corners. With the upcoming races set to feature more traditional circuits, Aston Martin aims to demonstrate its true strength and gain a better understanding of its standing in the championship.
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