Pierre Gasly believes that Alpine may need to keep an eye on Aston Martin in the 2023 F1 season. The British team impressed many during pre-season testing in Bahrain, with Fernando Alonso putting in the majority of the squad's laps following the absence of Lance Stroll due to a cycling accident. Gasly, meanwhile, has been getting acquainted with his new environment at Alpine after making the switch from AlphaTauri. While the team are hoping to edge closer towards the top three in the year ahead, Gasly admits that the likes of Aston Martin could still pose a threat for P4.
Gasly on Alpine's rivals
"We'll see how things go, but clearly the target is to focus on the top three," Gasly told media, including RacingNews365.com . "We don't really want to look back, but then we can never exclude other teams. Aston Martin looked pretty decent during this test. I think there are a couple of other teams which look pretty strong. "But I think the main target definitely is to close that gap with the top three. If it means we have some lonely races, then [that] will be the case. "But if it means that we get a better chance to score [in the] top five or [get a] podium at times, then that will be also more exciting. "I think it's clear we just want to look at and close that gap."
Alpine car feels 'different' to AlphaTauri
After getting behind the wheel of Alpine's A523 car over the three days of pre-season testing in Bahrain, Gasly acknowledges that there are some big differences in comparison to his previous car at AlphaTauri. "Everything feels quite different," the Frenchman explained. "But, at the end of the day, it's still the same driving, two pedals and one steering, and you need to find a way to go as fast as you can. "But obviously the car feels very different. The braking, the way it turns, the installation, everything is quite different. "So obviously it takes a few laps before you get comfortable, but I must say it's been a very good winter [and a] very good test. "[It has been] probably one of the best since I arrived in F1 and that's positive, that's what I needed before the season starts."
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