AlphaTauri: 'Additional tests with Nyck de Vries ahead of season'

F1 News

4 December 2022 at 11:55
Last update 4 December 2022 at 13:08
  • GPblog.com

AlphaTauri is preparing optimally for 2023 after a disappointing season. Next year, the Italian team has Yuki Tsunoda and Nyck de Vries in the cars. For the latter, it will be his first season in Formula 1. A former test driver for just about all Mercedes-powered teams, the Dutchman already has the necessary experience.

Nevertheless, AlphaTauri is not leaving any time unused to allow De Vries to put in extra kilometres, preparing optimally for his debut season. Even before the official tests in Bahrain are scheduled, the Dutchman has already completed some sessions with AlphaTauri. These include two tyre tests and a private test, according to his new team. When exactly these will be, is unclear.

Well prepared

Franz Tost, team boss of Red Bull Racing's sister team, expects a lot from De Vries. "He had a very good test in Abu Dhabi and his feedback was very strong. We will prepare him well," he told Speedweek. About the tests, Tost says: "That means he will have covered 3,000 to 4,000 kilometres at the start of the season. He should be well prepared for the season."

If De Vries continues to drive for AlphaTauri in the coming years, Tost will stay his team boss. In the same interview with the German-language website, the Austrian says that although he has reached retirement age, he does not want to know anything about quitting. Tost says he wants to continue for several more years.