Fernando Alonso expects direct approach / Formula 1 in Shanghai

Sixth place in Suzuka – and a renewed attack on Shanghai? Fernando Alonso, who extended his contract with Aston Martin exclusively until 2026 last Thursday, wishes success in his return to China.

Who does Alonso see ahead in Shanghai? The 42-year-old player: “I think with these long routes and a track like Australia, I expect Ferrari to be fast. But also Red Bull…”

The Spaniard did not want to decide on the title in Suzuka, but said with a grin: “I drive the car on the track and then I see it.”

However, the secret weapon in his company’s car gives Alonso hope from the conditions of the track: “We have a very powerful DRS that can help on long journeys. That always opens up opportunities if you’re off speed.” And that’s how Alonso discovers his car in comparison to the leaders.

At 1.2 km, the long straight at the racetrack near Shanghai is one of the longest straights in Formula 1. The longest is in Baku/Azerbaijan, which is approximately 2 km long.

A special challenge for all teams and drivers, however: Nobody knows for sure what the track in China is like before they get to the race track. Formula 1 last visited there in 2019, five years ago. The 2020 race was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, after which China was off the calendar due to strict entry and quarantine rules. The new generation of cars from 2022 has not yet arrived in Shanghai. There is also a question mark.

Japan-GP, Suzuka Circuit

01. Max Verstappen (NL), Red Bull Racing, 1:54:23,566 h
02. Sergio Pérez (MEX), Red Bull Racing, +12.535 seconds
03. Carlos Sainz (E), Ferrari, +20,866
04. Charles Leclerc (MC), Ferrari, +26,522
05. Lando Norris (GB), McLaren, +29.700
06. Fernando Alonso (E), Aston Martin, +44,272
07. George Russell (GB), Mercedes, +45,951
08. Oscar Piastri (AUS), McLaren, +47.525
09. Lewis Hamilton (GB), Mercedes, +48,626
10. Yuki Tsunoda (J), Bulls Racing, +1 Round
11. Nico Hülkenberg (D), Haas, +1 lap
12. Lance Stroll (CDN), Aston Martin, +1 Round
13. Kevin Magnussen (DK), Haas, +1 Lap
14. Valtteri Bottas (FIN), clean, +1 lap
15. Esteban Ocon (F), Alpine, +1 Round
16. Pierre Gasly (F), Alpine, +1 Round
17. Logan Sargeant (USA), Williams, +1 Round

outside
Guanyu Zhou (RCH), Sauber, Elektrik
Alex Albon (T), Williams, Crash
Daniel Ricciardo (AUS), Racing Bull, Crash

World Championship Standings (after 4 out of 24 Grands Prix)

the driver
01. Verstappen 77 points
02. Perez 64
03. Leclerc 59
04. Sainz 55
05. Norris 37
06. Plate 32
07. Russell 24
08. Alonso 24
09. Hamilton 10
10. Walk 7
11. Tsunoda 7
12. Oliver Bearman (GB) 6
13. Hulkenberg 3
14. Magnussen 1
15. Alboni 0
16. Zhou 0
17. Ricciardo 0
18. Okon 0
19. 0 gas
20. Bota 0
21. Sergeant 0

Builders Cup
01. Red Bull Racing 141 Punkte
02. Ferrari 120
03. McLaren 69
04. Mercedes 34
05. Aston Martin 33
06. Running Bull 7
07. Especially 4
08. Williams 0
09. Sauber 0
10. Alpine 0