Marko Hanželic
Only two days after the end of the previous one, the new season has started, so to speak, as the racers are being tested in Abu Dhabi tried new ones 18-inch tires, which will replace the current 13-inch after decades of use.
"I know such tires very well from the WEC championship," says the two-time world champion Fernando Alonso, who drove for Toyota at the World Endurance Championships two seasons ago and won the world title with them and two wins in Le Mans. The Spaniard, of course, was well acquainted with the specifics of low-cut tires.
“The new tires behave the same as in the WEC and you have to drive them the same way. It is very different. Others are facing this challenge for the first time, and I already have some experience with it. This is a well." According to the results Alonso on testing in Abu Dhabi he did not shine, as he only reached the 16th time, but it is quite clear that the fastest lap time does not count much in the tests.
Alonso will be the leader in at least one category next season. The Spaniard will be after leaving Chemistry Raikkonen the most experienced of all Formula 1 drivers. At forty, he is no longer the youngest. Could this be a problem?
"I think I'm in great shape and ready to start the season!" responds Alonso and shows his muscles. "I could continue with Bahrain next week." Nevertheless, he admits that age leaves a certain mark, especially when it comes to the sports part of the preparations.
“Of course, at the age of forty, I don't train more than at the age of twenty-three. Yes, the fact is that you have to train more, eat differently and do many, many other things to stay in the same shape and have the same level of strength. But I'm ready for it. That's why I came back, ” concludes Alonso.
