Breaking news
Formula 1
'Pushy' Alonso a big help to Alpine F1 team, says Brivio
Alpine sporting manager Davide Brivio believes Fernando Alonso's demanding and pushy nature has had a "very positive" effect on the Enstone team as the double world champion gears up for his Formula 1 return.
Filip Cleeren Jonathan Noble
Published: Mar 18, 2021, 3:13 PM
Copy link
Share on Viber
After two years away from the sport, Alonso decided to make an F1 comeback at the rebranded and overhauled Renault team to replace McLaren bound Daniel Ricciardo.
As part of his preparation, the Spaniard started visiting the factory and attending race weekends early on during the 2020 season, which showed his commitment to the team he won his two world championships with in 2005 and 2006.
Brivio, the former Suzuki MotoGP team boss who joined Alpine as a sporting manager, says the arrival of the ever-demanding Alonso has had a positive effect on the team.
"[Fernando] is really pushing and I think it's very positive for the team to have this type of driver that tends to stimulate everybody, push everybody to give the maximum," Brivio said.
"The fact that he's coming back in the most demanding class of motorsports, it shows also how strongly he is motivated to be back in action and to do great."
Brivio hopes Alonso's experience can also aid teammate Esteban Ocon, who had an up-and-down 2020 season alongside the rapid Ricciardo.
"I think it's a great combination where Fernando will be important also for Esteban, in order to show also how it can work maybe in a different way with an experienced driver," Brivio argued.
"At the same time Esteban can help Fernando because he's becoming more and more competitive and I think it would be very competitive this year, so I like this combination and I'm really looking forward to seeing both in action."
Read Also:
- Alpine explains bulky airbox after "body shaming"
- What’s behind Alpine's jumbo airbox
- Alonso and Ocon to get equal status at Alpine F1, insists Rossi
Alonso is still recovering from fracturing his jaw in a cycling accident but enjoyed a trouble-free pre-season test in Bahrain in which Alpine covered 396 laps across three days.
During last Sunday's final day of testing Brivio praised his team, which he leads alongside executive director Marcin Budkowski, as both drivers managed to rack up the miles preparing for Bahrain's season opener on March 28.
"They are doing a good job. We were able to go through the plan without any issue," Brivio added.
"Regarding Fernando, I saw him quite up to the pace. I think [Alonso and Ocon] can be up to speed from the first race, and ready to fight on the level of the other.
"Of course, it's our responsibility and our job to give them the good package. We have to see the race weekend, probably the first few races, but I think we will be ready."
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?
Take our 5 minute survey.
- The Motorsport.com Team
Read and post comments
Read also :
Share Or Save This Story
Copy link
Share on Viber
Previous article Perez recalls being "kicked out" of Red Bull junior test
Next article Action not slogans will define anti-racism push in 2021, says Hamilton
Top Comments
There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?
View More & Comment
More from
Filip Cleeren
Sergio Perez signs fresh Cadillac F1 deal until 2029
Formula 1
Formula 1
Mexican GP
Sergio Perez signs fresh Cadillac F1 deal until 2029
Audi F1 power unit division brings back CEO role
Formula 1
Formula 1
Audi F1 power unit division brings back CEO role
More from
Alpine
Franco Colapinto, George Russell to sit out FP1 at F1 Mexico GP
Formula 1
Formula 1
United States GP
Franco Colapinto, George Russell to sit out FP1 at F1 Mexico GP
“I couldn’t disappear” – Oliver Bearman rues “crazy” penalty for Pierre Gasly clash
Formula 1
Formula 1
United States GP
“I couldn’t disappear” – Oliver Bearman rues “crazy” penalty for Pierre Gasly clash
Latest news
F1 Mexico GP: Friday schedule, weather forecast and how to watch
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
Mexican GP
1 h
F1 Mexico GP: Friday schedule, weather forecast and how to watch
Unwell Kimi Antonelli skips F1 Mexico GP media day
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
Mexican GP
2 h
Unwell Kimi Antonelli skips F1 Mexico GP media day
Adding a stage, fuel cell mod all on table to fix superspeedway fuel saving
NASCAR Cup
NAS NASCAR Cup
Talladega II
2 h
Adding a stage, fuel cell mod all on table to fix superspeedway fuel saving
Why Daniel Ricciardo would consider a comeback at Le Mans
WEC
WEC WEC 3 h
Why Daniel Ricciardo would consider a comeback at Le Mans
Feature
Discover prime content
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.
Subscribe now Already subscribed? Sign in here
Already disabled your adblocker?
Reload page
Manage Alerts
Subscribe