The two -time world champion has stood out on several occasions this year, such as when he tried to go for pole at the Australian GP or when he managed to start from the front row after a wet qualifying in Canada.
Also at the recent Austrian GP he demonstrated the growing competitiveness of Alpine’s upgraded package, going so far as to fight for a top six position, before a problem tightening one of his tires forced him to make an extra stop which made him go down the table.
Although mechanical problems and Sunday incidents have deprived him of the opportunity for better results, Fernando Alonso says he is enjoying his 2022 campaign, although wins still seem a long way off.
“I miss winning and the feeling of fighting for podiums and bigger things, yes,” confessed the Spaniard. “But at the same time I’m enjoying myself too, because it’s a race against myself in a way and trying to be a better version of myself than I was in 2019.”
“I think last year I was performing at a decent level. Well, I’ll say no 100%, and this year I feel 100%.”
“I feel like I can do some performances that maybe aren’t expected, and that kind of thing has always been my forte throughout my career. I feel like I’ve gotten back to that level, so that probably makes me very proud of this Return”.
Alpine director Otmar Szafnauer said the Spaniard’s positive attitude is also rubbing off on the team.
“I haven’t worked with him in the past, this is my first year but from what I see he still loves racing,” Szafnauer said.
“He’s a great competitor, he loves to compete and I think, in life in general, you’re happy when you exceed expectations. So if your expectations are realistic and you exceed them, you’re happy in life. Not just Fernando, I think [ happens to] all of us.”
Alonso is keen to hold talks with team bosses over the summer break about a new contract , as the current one runs out at the end of this year.
And although the renewal is expected, he does not take it for granted that his future is assured.
“It’s never guaranteed that you’ll stay,” Alonso said. “We have to agree on something, I think during the summer break.”
“In the next few weeks or whenever, I will sit down with the team and see what their expectations are. Also, what is the next step in the project? I feel happy. I feel at home in Alpine. But nothing is guaranteed when 100%”.
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