Fernando Alonso Finds 'More Fun Than Thought' in Wet Las Vegas GP Qualifying
Fernando Alonso surprisingly relished the wet Las Vegas GP qualifying, securing P7 despite treacherous conditions that left many drivers struggling. He found the session 'more fun' than anticipated, praising the track and tire performance. This strong result for Aston Martin, fueled by aggressive early strategies, positions Alonso well for the race, showcasing his enduring skill in challenging circumstances.
Fernando Alonso defied expectations and found joy in the treacherous, wet qualifying session for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, securing an impressive seventh-place start. Despite many drivers describing the conditions as 'sketchy,' Alonso maintained a calm and confident approach, showcasing his veteran skill.
Why it matters:
- Alonso's strong qualifying performance in challenging conditions highlights his adaptability and enduring talent, securing a vital P7 start for Aston Martin on a circuit where they've often struggled for outright pace.
- His ability to thrive when others falter could set the stage for a strong race result for Aston Martin, potentially earning crucial points in the Constructors' Championship battle.
- The positive experience in wet conditions could influence future race strategies and car development, especially in unpredictable weather scenarios.
The Details:
- Alonso qualified P7 for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, a significant achievement given the 'treacherously wet' track conditions on Friday night.
- Many drivers, including his peers, described the Strip as 'sketchy' and close to undriveable in the rain.
- Alonso's Perspective: He found the session 'more fun than what I thought,' expecting a much more difficult evening filled with red flags and incidents.
- He noted that the track conditions and tires 'worked really well, better than expected.'
- Alonso compared the Las Vegas wet conditions to past experiences, stating he'd faced tougher situations in places like Austria and Brazil with 'rivers crossing the track.'
- Team Strategy: Both Alonso and teammate Lance Stroll immediately attacked the top of the timesheets, capitalizing on other teams' cautious starts.
- Alonso credited the team for being 'very spot-on on the tire choice' in Q1, which allowed them to be competitive early on.
- Qualifying Progression: He acknowledged that Aston Martin's strength was in 'Lap one' of each session, taking risks while others built confidence, leading to a slight drop in relative performance in Q2 and Q3 as the track dried.
- Despite this, he expressed extreme happiness with P7, calling it 'unthinkable' before qualifying.
What's next:
Alonso's strong starting position of P7 gives Aston Martin a significant advantage in what is expected to be a challenging race. If the weather remains unpredictable or if the team can maintain their tire management and race pace, Alonso could convert this into valuable points. His experience and ability to manage difficult situations will be key in navigating the unique demands of the Las Vegas Street Circuit.