Fernando Alonso hints at Aston Martin’s untapped potential after a promising practice session in Las Vegas, finishing third. With conditions ripe for overtaking and a grid penalty for Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, Alonso is optimistic about securing a front-row start.
Between the lines:
– Alonso finished an extended FP2 in third place, closely trailing the Ferraris.
– He believes Aston Martin has a few more tenths to gain in qualifying.
– Sainz’s grid penalty could boost Alonso’s starting position.
– Chilly night conditions in Vegas are not expected to hinder performance.
– Alonso and teammate Stroll both praise the new Vegas track’s design and overtaking potential.
Go deeper:
In the neon glow of Las Vegas, Fernando Alonso emerged as a dark horse, placing his Aston Martin in a striking third during the second practice session. With the Ferraris in his sights, Alonso played down the significance of the cold desert night, focusing instead on the heat of competition that awaits in qualifying.
Despite the late hour, Alonso’s enthusiasm didn’t wane as he dissected the new street circuit’s quirks. The blend of long straights and diverse corners promises a race rife with overtaking maneuvers, a prospect that has the two-time world champion visibly excited.
While Sainz faces the setback of a grid penalty, Alonso sees an opportunity. A front-row start is on the cards, and with the entire field tightly packed within tenths of a second, every fraction will be fought for fiercely.
Aston Martin’s performance in Vegas has not gone unnoticed, with Alonso’s teammate, Lance Stroll, also expressing confidence after finishing eighth. The Canadian found the Vegas strip both “fun” and “fast,” a sentiment echoed by Alonso, who relished the challenge of warming the tires and mastering the circuit.
As the lights dim on practice and the stakes rise for qualifying, Alonso’s message is clear: Aston Martin is in the hunt, and there’s more speed to be unleashed. The Vegas strip, known for its high stakes and big wins, could very well be the stage for Alonso’s next great performance.
