The rain-laden Sprint qualifying session caused multiple issues for the drivers. Max Verstappen lost out on the pole position due to the wet conditions and additionally, the newly painted track of the Chinese GP made things quite slippery. As a result, even Fernando Alonso faced uncertainties at the wet Shanghai circuit, but despite this, he still managed a P3 starting place for tomorrow’s sprint race.
Fernando Alonso opened up regarding the issues he faced in the sprint qualifying session of the Chinese GP. Alonso labeled the session as ‘stressful’ due to the tricky conditions. The Spaniard pointed out that the team was aware of the threat of rain since the beginning of SQ1.
Hence, the team made progress until the track was relatively dry for the drivers.
It was quite stressful to be honest. I mean, [S]Q1 we were just looking at the radar and the threat of rain was there since the first minute. So, we made progress in [S]Q1 and [S]Q2 just, because we were P8 or P9. Fernando Alonso said during post-session interview.
The 42-year-old didn’t hesitate to acknowledge that the team wasn’t super competitive during the dry conditions either. Aston Martin improved in performance during the wet conditions. The Silverstone-based team showcased great tire degradation management during the wet conditions around the Shanghai circuit. However, Alonso pointed out that the track kept getting ‘worse’ with every other lap.
So, not super competitive in the dry. And, then in the rain at the end in Q3, every lap was a little bit different conditions. The tyres were a bit better every lap, but the circuit was worse with every lap. Fernando Alonso noted.
Fernando Alonso ‘extremely happy’ after a P3 start for the Chinese GP sprint race
Regardless of the issues faced, Fernando Alonso impressively managed a P3 start for the sprint race in China. Hence, the veteran will positively compete for his first sprint victory at the pinnacle of motor racing. Aston Martin’s improving pace was evident as Lance Stroll also led the FP1 session ahead of the highly dominant Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc. As a result, Aston Martin might showcase great pace against Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton ahead.
The rainy conditions at the circuit made it difficult to figure out the best setup. Hence, the team was unable to judge the level of grip and the level of risk required. As a result, Alonso faced difficulties during the season. Regardless, a third-place finish satisfied the veteran as he claimed that he was ‘extremely happy’ at the end of the qualifying session.
So, it was difficult to judge the level of grip and the level of risk that you want to apply. So, in the end, I am extremely happy. Fernando Alonso explained.
Aston Martin is in a tight battle with Mercedes for the fourth spot in the constructors’ championship. The entire Chinese GP is crucial for the two teams to gain an advantage over the other. Hence, Silverstone will try their best to overtake Lewis Hamilton during the sprint race. Additionally, the team aims to maximize results during the Chinese weekend after ending the Friday session on a positive note.
More must-reads: