Fernando Alonso stated that the rainy conditions during the Sprint Qualifying of the Chinese GP made it difficult to take risks. The Formula 1 race returned to the calendar after a five-year absence, and the decision was made to introduce the new sprint format for the event in Shanghai. The damp weather during the session posed a challenge for the drivers, and Alonso admitted he felt nervous throughout the session.
Alonso expressed that the Sprint Qualifying was especially stressful for both him and Aston Martin. The Spanish driver noted that the threat of rain was constant from the beginning of the session. However, it was only in the final session of the day that rain finally fell on the track, resulting in a dramatic conclusion to the session.
According to Alonso, the car’s performance varied with each lap. The tires seemed to improve as the session progressed, but as more rain fell on the circuit, the track conditions worsened for the two-time world champion. Alonso acknowledged that it was difficult to take risks due to the limited grip available.
For the sprint race, Fernando Alonso will start from the third position on the grid. This represents an opportunity for the Spanish driver to score valuable points for Aston Martin before the Grand Prix Qualifying. Both Alonso and the AMR24 have shown promise this season.
Alonso mentioned that the Silverstone-based team was unsure of their position in the classification order this weekend. However, the sprint race on Saturday will provide clarity as the drivers compete head-to-head. The 42-year-old driver emphasized that the sprint weekend allows for a significant number of race laps, and he is aiming for a good result in the Qualifying to secure a respectable position in Sunday’s race.
It seems that Fernando Alonso may have a successful weekend in Shanghai. The two-time world champion has shown enough speed to potentially secure a spot on the podium at the Chinese GP. However, his performance in the sprint race on Saturday morning will be intriguing to watch.
