‘I feel honoured’ – Alonso overjoyed with first drive for ‘iconic brand’ Aston Martin at Abu Dhabi take a look at

Fernando Alonso described a “very special” expertise as he formally swapped Alpine for Aston Martin on Tuesday and took up the seat vacated by the retired Sebastian Vettel at F1’s post-season take a look at in Abu Dhabi.

With the paddock staying on at Yas Marina to hold out tyre and younger driver testing, followers bought a primary glimpse of the modifications up and down the grid for the 2023 season – which embrace Alonso’s transfer from Alpine blue to the inexperienced of Aston Martin.

GALLERY: Check out Alonso, Gasly, Piastri and extra as they debut for his or her new groups in Abu Dhabi take a look at

Asked to summarise the primary few runs along with his new crew, throughout which he racked up 97 laps, Alonso commented: “It was good! It was a really good expertise. I really feel honoured to drive for such an iconic model.

“It was a very special day, having the first go in the car and trying to feel also the differences [between Alpine and Aston Martin]. Obviously, we raced two days ago here, so it’s very fresh and it’s very useful.”

Referencing a busy programme on and off the observe, the two-time champion added: “I tried to meet all the mechanics, the engineers, and [I will] try to remember a lot of new names, for sure!”

Along along with his new environment at Aston Martin, Alonso sampled Pirelli’s revised 2023 tyre compounds in the course of the take a look at – with up to date variations being handed to the drivers after FP1 evaluations on the current United States and Mexican Grands Prix.

READ MORE: ‘We achieved most of the targets’ – Pirelli’s Mario Isola talks 2022 successes, modifications for 2023 and sustainability

Giving his preliminary impressions of the brand new rubber, Alonso stated: “It felt good. I feel the tyres weren’t too completely different in comparison with final 12 months. Obviously, they tried to enhance a number of weaknesses that we had in 2022.

“They felt good – even on the extreme heat, now at midday. I think tyre-wise we should be very good in 2023.”