In a shocking turn of events, Alpine has fallen behind Aston Martin and McLaren in the Constructors standings for 2023. With only 120 points, they trail behind Aston Martin by a staggering 160 points. This setback is a disappointment considering their fourth-place finish in 2022.
However, there is hope for Alpine with talented drivers Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon leading the team. The key to their success lies in a better car. This is where the all-new A524 comes into play. The car has been completely redesigned with the goal of maximizing its potential.
According to Matt Harman, the technical director, the approach to the A524 has been aggressive but deliberate. The team has focused on learning and reacting to their findings rather than solely pursuing results. They have built a strong foundation and set targets to enhance performance.
Harman admits that some aspects of the car have been pushed to the limit and even beyond. This aligns with their design philosophy. While these statements may not offer much reassurance to fans, it is important to acknowledge the team’s commitment to improvement.
Alpine’s strategy is rooted in facts rather than blindly chasing results. They set ambitious goals for themselves in the past and have yet to fully achieve them. It is time for a more meticulous approach to enhancing the car’s performance.
So, what exactly is new with the A524? The chassis has been completely redesigned from the ground up, along with improvements to the rear suspension setup, brake system, nose, front wing, and floor. Although the latter cannot be seen, it is the result of aggressive development.
Fans can expect to see the A524 on track no later than February 20 for an initial shakedown before pre-season testing in Bahrain from February 21-23.