Alonso concedes 'surprise' needed despite 'very productive' progress

Fernando Alonso has conceded that Aston Martin require a "nice surprise" next weekend in the Spanish Grand Prix, should they want to be competitive. 

Aston Martin enjoyed its best Grand Prix of the season last weekend in Canada, where Alonso and Lance Stroll finished sixth and seventh. 

It has been a difficult start to 2024 for the Silverstone-based team, who had claimed six podiums this time 12 months ago. 

The AMR24 is not currently able to compete with Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren and Mercedes, with Aston Martin somewhat being too good for those below them but not quick enough to challenge those ahead. 

However, Alonso is pleased that very good progress is being made by the British team, who are still learning how to extract the AMR24's maximum performance. 

"Always, this a very dynamic sport, you're constantly learning about the car, about the new packages that you introduce," Alonso told select media including RacingNews365. 

"You are also looking at other cars and other philosophies and you're trying different things. 

"And yeah, I think the last few months were very productive for us in terms of understanding the car. So I'm very confident."

Potential Spanish GP upgrades

Despite Aston Martin making strides in the right direction, the team expects the AMR24 to not perform at its best next weekend at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve was a venue which suited the AMR24, although Alonso has revealed that some upgrades could be introduced for his home race. 

Nevertheless, the two-time world champion recognises that things need to go in Aston Martin's favour for a strong Spanish GP.

"Let's see, I think on paper we were happier with Montreal than Barcelona," revealed Alonso.

"We think that this track (Circuit Gilles Villeneuve) is a little bit better for us. But let's see if we have a nice surprise.

"I know the team is working also very hard to bring some new things for Barcelona hopefully. So yeah, it's gonna be a very interesting weekend.

"Again, let's see if we can score points again with both cars which which is the [goal]."