Photo Credit: Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team
It’s no coincidence that the success of Aston Martin has followed swiftly after the appointment of Dan Fallows as Technical Director, as they chase his former team Red Bull at the sharp end of the F1 grid.
Sitting second in the Constructors’ Standings five races into the season, they have been the surprise package of the year so far. Fernando Alonso’s critics appear to have disappeared, while the silverware has made its way back into the Spaniard’s life.
The question almost everyone is asking, is when the team will be able to make it to the top step of the podium. They have two very capable drivers, and a car with a nice baseline. Upgrades are set to be introduced in Imola, so could we see them competing with Red Bull there?
“I would love to say that a win is possible this season. There are obviously some circuits where it’s not the normal run of play necessarily. Sometimes cars that have particular characteristics can play out. For example in Monaco, tracks like that. I would love to say that,” Fallows said.
“Honestly, I think we are realistic about our situation where we are at the moment. Our focus is really on maximising the amount of performance we get on the car in the shortest possible time. We will see what kind of rewards that brings.”
Ferrari are very close with the Silverstone-based outfit on pace in qualifying, with Mercedes the closest challengers in a race generally. A tight fight between the teams is set to be played out across the remaining 18 races.
With most of the midfield separated by very tight margins, should we be worried that overtaking will be of a premium?
“I know there have been conversations about Baku but I don’t think we have seen previous races where there have been opportunities for overtaking. There are definitely circuit dependent characteristics.
“Monaco again is an extreme example but we know there are circuits where we have to get the maximum out of the car in qualifying because there is a limited opportunity to overtake in the races. That is going to carry on for all the circuits this year. There will always be some which are easier to overtake and some which aren’t,” Fallows concluded.
As the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix approaches, a wave of bad weather could be lingering across the weekend, creating the potential for more exciting racing, and maybe even an Aston Martin victory.
We’ll get the opportunity to find out whether that can be the case when FP1 starts at 12.30pm BST on Friday.
