F1 drivers take notice of Aston Martin's impressive pace at Bahrain pre-season test
Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin 25 Feb 2023
Aston Martin appear to be one of the teams to watch in 2023, after impressing their rivals during Formula One's winter testing.
The pre-season testing in Bahrain has already shown promising signs that Aston Martin may have made more progress than rival teams.
Fernando Alonso has looked competitive behind the wheel of the AMR23 in his long runs around Bahrain International Circuit, and it caught the eye of Alfa Romeo's Zhou Guanyu.
"It's clear Aston Martin did a step," said Zhou.
"Alonso seems to be very competitive over the two days, both conditions. I think he will be one of the top guys in midfield battle.
"It seems like we both made a step and over the two days they seem to be a little bit faster, but we're close."
Zhou wasn't the only driver who noticed Aston Martin's pace, as Haas driver Kevin Magnussen also admitted that they appear to have stepped up a level since last season.
"I think Aston Martin looks fast. They seem to constantly be doing good long runs," Magnussen said.
"And when they try to put a lap time they seem to do it as well. So I think they look like they've done a big step. But again, who knows."
The 2023 F1 season opener is the Bahrain Grand Prix, which runs from 3-5 March.
