Fernando Alonso hands Aston Martin ambitious target after Imola shock

Fernando Alonso has set his sights on race victories after his stunning qualifying effort at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

The 43-year-old will start fifth at Imola having comfortably produced Aston Martin's best grid-setting performance of the F1 season, along with Lance Stroll, who qualified eighth.

Whilst his team-mate has scored points on two occasions this term, including a superb sixth place at the year-opening round in Melbourne, Alonso has thus far failed to get on the board - along with Gabriel Bortoleto, Liam Lawson and the now-sidelined Jack Doohan.

However, whilst the two-time F1 drivers' champion is aiming for points at Imola, he was quick to address what he is really coveting.

The Spaniard wants to take victory in the 2026 season-opening round, underlying the ambition of the Aston Martin project, which has already added Adrian Newey, a state-of-the-art wind tunnel and an impending works power unit deal with Honda.

"I'm here to win, so I'm happy to be fifth for tomorrow, to score a few points, but I want to be in Australia next year and win the race," Alonso told media including RacingNews365.

Whilst it might sound audacious, the F1 regulations overhaul this coming winter will provide a reset for not only engines, but chassis as well, meaning which teams and drivers will be in contention next season is anyone's guess.

Although, more immediately, the significant upgrades the Silverstone squad has introduced for the round in Italy has vaulted its drivers up the pecking order.

Assessing the grand prix ahead, Alonso expressed his desire to open his account for the year, but did conceded he is likely to fall back from fifth.

"I think it's going to be a tactical race, as always in Imola - difficult to overtake," he said. "As few stops as possible for everyone, because then you cannot overtake on track.

"[We will] try to have a good start with the strategy, and let's see the pace. I think it's not as good as P5 so I'm ready to lose couple of positions, but hopefully not too many."