Fernando Alonso says the Spaniard carried out nicely on the primary day of racing in Las Vegas with Aston Martin having “a number of tenths” left earlier than qualifying.
After FP1 was shortened, the drivers returned to the observe for a second apply session, which was prolonged to 90 minutes. Alonso confirmed good modifications of tempo all through, mixing in energy on the entrance of the race and ending third quickest – albeit 0.528 seconds slower than chief Charles Leclerc.
FP2: Leclerc leads Sainz and Alonso in second apply session in Las Vegas
The 42-year-old Spaniard, who was the one driver born when F1 final raced in Las Vegas in 1982, shared his first impressions of F1 following the game’s first day again on the planet’s leisure capital. observe.
“It is undoubtedly an attention-grabbing observe,” Alonso stated. “As a result of there are such a lot of completely different corners and lengthy straights, the tires lose temperature somewhat bit at night time.
“So, the braking zone is attention-grabbing, [it is] What sort of grip you get is a bit random. I feel the race will probably be attention-grabbing and there will probably be numerous overtaking alternatives, so tomorrow we are going to see if we will optimize. “
When requested whether or not the cooler temperatures confronted by the drivers on the primary day would have an effect on qualifying and the race, Alonso replied: “It should not be too dangerous. I feel qualifying will ultimately have an effect on the temperature of the tires.
“I feel [there] It may need been somewhat extra adrenaline if there was a security automobile or one thing like that to take the warmth out of the tires. It should be somewhat difficult, but it surely’s the identical for everybody and we ought to be ready. “
WATCH: Driving with Leclerc to set quickest FP2 lap in Las Vegas
When requested about his expectations for qualifying, Alonso replied: “Let’s have a look at. We had a very good first day. I feel we nonetheless have to optimize some issues within the automobile like everybody else.
“Let’s have a look at tomorrow after we’re at our full potential. We’ll have a few tenths within the pocket however everybody has one. I feel it may be very tight. We noticed at this time there have been a few tenths within the vary of two-tenths About 10 automobiles, so it’s essential to optimize all the pieces when it comes to high quality.”
Alonso’s team-mate Lance Stroll additionally had an important day, ending eighth in FP2, and the Canadian driver later gave his ideas on the occasion.
Learn extra: ‘We are able to do higher’ – Verstappen displays on areas for enchancment after first run in Las Vegas
“pleasure [and] Stroll stated when requested to explain the observe. “It is so cool to drive in Vegas… In fact, it is somewhat difficult getting the tires as much as temperature and stuff like that, however we’ll see the way it goes tomorrow.”
When requested what we will count on from Aston Martin qualifying, Stroll replied: “It was a good race however I assumed we had been aggressive at this time so I am trying ahead to tomorrow.”