Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Bahrain test day 1 review and quotes 23.02.2023: Aramco Bahrain pre-season test Sakhir, Bahrain, day 1 Thursday, February 23rd 2023 AMF1 Updated Testing Schedule: Friday: Fernando Alonso Saturday: TBC In Numbers

Aramco Bahrain pre-season test
Sakhir, Bahrain, day 1
Thursday, February 23rd 2023

 

AMF1 Updated Testing Schedule:
Friday: Fernando Alonso
Saturday: TBC




In Numbers




Fernando Alonso
PM       1.32.866    60 Laps    P02

    Felipe Drugovich
AM        1.34.564    40 Laps    P14




Soundbites




Fernando Alonso


“Overall I am pleased with the first official day of testing here in Bahrain in the AMR23. As a team, we reached 100 laps in total, which is a strong start for the first day despite some minor issues that we resolved. We are still experimenting with lots of different things, so every lap we do is important and we learn something new about the car every time we go out.



These first steps are always intriguing and so far I am enjoying this part of the winter preparation. We will use the information and learning from today to optimise things further tomorrow.”





Felipe Drugovich


“Driving the AMR23 for the first time today was great; I really enjoyed it. I spent a few laps at the beginning of the day familiarising myself with being back behind the wheel, but I felt like I got up to speed quickly and before long I was back in a good rhythm.



Despite a small electronics issue, we completed our run plan and gathered some valuable data for the team. I did quite a lot of aerodynamic testing, which is incredibly important with a new car, but I also got to do a few push laps towards the end of the session, which were great fun. Finally, I want to wish Lance a quick recovery and also thank the team for trusting me with this opportunity.”





Tom McCullough, Performance Director


“A solid opening day of testing on the whole. We had a few issues, which cost us some track time, but when the car was running we were able to get through our test plan. We will have to recover the time we lost over the next two days to ensure we maximise our learnings ahead of the race next week.


The car was responding well to the changes we made and we will continue to review the data this evening ahead of Fernando’s time in the car tomorrow. Felipe did an excellent job for us this morning with a lot procedural work to gather important aerodynamic data.



He did not get quite as many laps in as we had planned due to this morning's electronics issue, but in the time he did have he got up to speed quickly and did a really good job. Fernando made good progress during the afternoon session and is continuing to familiarise himself with the new car, tyres and people around him.


His feedback was incredibly valuable and will be hugely beneficial as we continue to learn more about the AMR23.”




Will Hings, photos Aston Martin