When teams embark on such a change of direction, it is inevitable that they endure a learning phase in understanding how to extract pace out of their new platform.
In Alpine’s case, however, the revamp for this year has not yet delivered any of the progress hoped for – and has so far only led to its A524 being painfully off the pace in the opening two races.
The fears leading team figures expressed at the new car launch of it being a tough start to the campaign have proved spot on – although admittedly things have been even worse than feared, as the French manufacturer currently seems pegged near the back of the field.
As team principal Bruno Famin said ahead of this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix: “It’s been a tough start to the season. And, actually, it’s been more challenging than we expected.
“We must keep progressing and keep bettering our understanding as to why we are lacking performance and, ultimately, how we can improve the package. Clearly, we have issues to fix quickly.”
Source: Autosport