The 2021 season has kicked off for the Alpine F1 team at Silverstone today, with Esteban Ocon getting behind the wheel of the A521.
This year’s competitor, the A521, boasts a striking livery of blue, white and red which is synonymous to Alpine’s French heritage and pedigree in motorsports.
The car will be powered by the Renault E-Tech 20B 1.6L V6 engine power unit, designed and developed in Viry-Châtillon, marking 45 years of unbroken F1 activity for the French car manufacturer.
After the 9:00 am start, following some minor delays due to fog, Ocon said his first impression of the car was “enjoyable” and that he hoped to bring what was seen from the car today to the season opener in Bahrain.
The 24-year-old said:
“It was really good fun today. First of all, it was nice to get in the car again at a track like Silverstone as that’s always something special.
“The car felt nice to drive for the first time and we managed to get through our programme as planned.
“There was a bit of a delay this morning with the fog, but once that cleared, the track was dry and that made the running very enjoyable. I wish I could drive for more than 100km, but that’s the limit, and I leave here with a smile on my face.
“We want to take that into Bahrain next week when conditions will be more representative with the race tyres and some heat. All in all, it was a very interesting day and I can’t wait to discover more about the car.
Can you hear it?
The #CountdownToBahrain has begun! pic.twitter.com/Hm0yNuA1f2— Alpine F1 Team (@AlpineF1Team) March 8, 2021
“I have to say, I love the new colours. It’s the best-looking car on the grid!”
The team will continue its preparations for the 2021 season in Bahrain beginning next week when Fernando Alonso will join Esteban in getting to grips with the A521.
Fernando returns to Formula 1 following a two-year break, re-joining the outfit with which he claimed his two Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championships in 2005 and 2006.
Meanwhile, Esteban, who is beginning his second year with the team, will look to build on a strong 2020 campaign which saw the 24-year-old score his first ever podium in Formula 1 at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix.
