Scuderia AlphaTauri are optimistic about their chances of a return to the points this weekend after a fruitless result in Hungary that saw Pierre Gasly retire and team-mate Daniil Kvyat finish twelfth, as the Formula 1 World Championship heads to Silverstone for the first race of a historic double-header.
Despite the ongoing travel restrictions, both drivers were able to complete valuable simulator sessions with the team over the period since the Hungarian Grand Prix, in which they were joined by their engineers via video link. Although unusual, Gasly and Kvyat quickly adjusted to the new set-up and were able to gain useful data for this weekend.
From the first three rounds, it appears the pace of the AT01 occupies a unique position in the pecking order, ahead of the likes of Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN, Haas F1 Team and Williams Racing yet behind rivals Renault DP World F1 Team, McLaren F1 Team and BWT Racing Point Formula One Team.
“I think we can say we have a car that is honest, although we know there are things that need to be improved, especially in terms of aero,” said Gasly.
He continued: “The car has no major weaknesses in any particular area. We have to improve two or three things to get a car that is better balanced. The most important thing is to find a bit more downforce.”
Kvyat was hopeful that Silverstone would mark a turning point in his understanding of the car: “With three races behind us, it’s still a bit hard to identify the strengths and weaknesses of our car. We are still working, me and the engineers, to find a solid baseline that we can start from at every race.
“In general, I was pleased with the race pace, but in qualifying in Budapest I was less happy with the car. But we think we know why that was and we are planning to try something different at Silverstone this weekend to see if we can improve.”
