Alonso Calls for Aston Martin 'Fine-Tuning' Ahead of Singapore Qualifying

Fernando Alonso, despite placing in the top four during both Friday practice sessions at the Singapore Grand Prix, stated that his Aston Martin is “not in a happy place” and requires significant fine-tuning. The two-time world champion topped FP1 and secured the fourth-fastest time in FP2, yet remains cautious about the car's balance.

Why it matters:

Aston Martin's performance on high-downforce circuits like Marina Bay is crucial for their championship aspirations. After a challenging spell, a strong showing in Singapore could signal a return to form and reinforce their position among the midfield contenders, especially as they battle for Constructors' Championship points.

The details:

• Practice Performance: Alonso led FP1, clocking the fastest time ahead of Charles Leclerc. He followed this with the fourth-fastest time in FP2, trailing Max Verstappen.
• Handling Concerns: Despite the impressive times, Alonso expressed dissatisfaction with the car's setup, particularly the front axle, noting it's “still a little bit too much on the steer.”
• Focus on Setup: The team plans to work on fine-tuning the setup overnight to address the balance issues, aiming for a more stable and responsive car.
• Impact of Red Flags: Alonso acknowledged that red flags during FP2 obscured the true performance picture, making it difficult to assess competitors' full pace.
• Optimism vs. Reality: While he described Friday as their "best Friday so far," he cautioned that practice sessions often involve varied fuel loads and programs, and the real test will be Saturday's qualifying.
• Teammate Performance: Lance Stroll also showed strong pace, finishing sixth in FP2, indicating a promising overall package for Aston Martin on this circuit.

What's next:

Alonso and Aston Martin are targeting a spot in Q3 during Saturday's qualifying. Resolving the identified setup issues will be paramount to maximizing their potential and converting their promising Friday pace into strong grid positions, crucial for scoring valuable points on Sunday.