Antonio Giovinazzi begins his third full season with Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN this weekend at the Bahrain International Circuit, and the Italian is eager to get going.
Giovinazzi, like team-mate Kimi Räikkönen, says it is impossible for him to predict where Alfa Romeo are compared to their closest rivals, but the mood within the team is positive so there are high hopes that 2021 can be a much better campaign compared to what they endured last year.
“I am really excited about the new season, my third full year in the sport,” said Giovinazzi. “I feel ready, both in body and mind, and I can’t wait to experience the feeling of a race weekend once again.
“I am not making any predictions on where we will be against our rivals, but I am confident we can have a good season. There is a really good spirit within the team, people are feeling positive and we’re all walking with our heads held high, so we are approaching the first race with the right mindset.”
Giovinazzi says everyone at Alfa Romeo knows the start of the new season will be crucial, particularly if they can score points right from the get-go. The Italian scored points in the opening race of the 2020 season thanks to a ninth-place finish in the Austrian Grand Prix.
“We all know how crucial the start of the season is,” said the Italian. “Last year, we were able to score points right at the first race and they proved very important for the rest of the campaign, so the aim is to once again start with the right foot and boost the team ahead of this important year.”
