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Sanchez confident Alpine have ‘all the ingredients’ to progress as he reveals upgrade plan for rest of season
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Alpine’s new Executive Technical Director David Sanchez insists “all the ingredients are definitely in place” for the team to work their way back up the grid over the next couple of seasons.
After a very tough start to the campaign when they appeared to have the slowest car on the grid, the Enstone-based outfit have displayed signs of progress as the year has developed. And in May, former Ferrari man Sanchez arrived at the team, following a short spell with McLaren.
In terms of what has contributed to the improved performance of their car, Pierre Gasly has spoken of the team making the car lighter – and Sanchez believes that this is one of “a few factors”.
“The car is largely similar to earlier this season. We took out a large amount of weight, now we have the weight limit,” he explained over the British Grand Prix weekend. “The progress I would say, since Imola onwards, we’re getting to know more of the car, how to get more out of it, and that’s been the trend.
“Now in the meantime we’re working at the factory on how to make it better, bring more parts and moving further forwards.”
Sanchez's appointment at Alpine was confirmed in May
Asked about what is in the pipeline for the rest of 2024, Sanchez responded: “We have a fair amount. A lot of working is happening at the factory, and now we’ll probably start bringing some parts around the summer break, and probably quite a bit more after.”
Sanchez started his F1 career at the squad in 2005 – while still in their former guise as Renault – as a junior aerodynamicist, before moving to Ferrari, where he led their aerodynamics department and later worked as Head of Vehicle Concept.
On how he has found his new job so far, the French engineer commented: “Very good, very busy! Lots to do, and lots of optimism.”
Asked whether he feels the pieces of the puzzle are falling into place for Alpine to move forwards over the next couple of seasons, he added: “I would think so. It was something which for me was a big curiosity when I turned up at Enstone.
Alpine have made progress with the A524 as the season has developed
“The site has grown a lot since the last time I was there. I would say all the ingredients are definitely in place, now it’s about us at the factory making the most of everything and focusing on the car.”
One remaining puzzle piece is who will be in the cockpit next year to partner Gasly at the team in 2025, with Esteban Ocon set to leave at the end of the year.
READ M0RE: Gasly backs ‘experienced and valuable’ Sainz as preferred team mate at Alpine in 2025
“I think driver-wise we’re still looking into it for next year. We’re focusing on the car for now – well, I’m focusing on the car for now!” Sanchez said.
“The plan is to try and make a big step forward. Again, we have the resource, now we try and use everything to get the car in the best possible shape. We have plenty of ideas, now it’s a matter of delivering them.”
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