Alpine has not had the smoothest of time in the Barcelona testing. Their 2022 car has thrown up issues at nearly every turn. Yet the Alpine Sporting Director, Alan Permane, took away positives from the 3 days at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

Below-par performance by the Alpine A522?

The Alpine A522 has not quite been the masterstroke the French team was hoping for. Throwing up technical issues all throughout the pre-season test in Spain. However, the most eye-catching moment came on day 3 of the tests. Fernando Alonso‘s morning session on Friday was put to an abrupt halt with smoke blowing from the car.

The team later released a statement, stating that a hydraulics issue led to the car catching fire. Even with all difficulties, the A522 managed to complete a total of 264 laps in the Barcelona test.

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In addition to the engine issues, Alpine also ran without DRS. The team has been working round the clock to resolve the matter.

Alpine Suffers Engine Blow-Out as Fernando Alonso Ends Morning Session Early at Barcelona

Alan Permane’s take on things

It has not been smooth sailing for Alpine, who had aspirations of being towards the front end of the pack this season. Alan Permane was still optimistic and said, “With the C2 tire he set a time trial that was comparable to that recorded by Verstappen who had also used the DRS. If Alonso had had the time to mount the C3 tire as planned he could have lowered the time by 3-4 tenths again and would have confirmed Verstappen’s times.”

He also went on to add that Alonso was comfortable with the car and these were just minor issues in the transition to a new era. However, only time will tell if “El Plan” would be a success or not.

The pre-season testing in Bahrain will paint a clearer picture of the teams. In the meantime, the question of Alonso being as quick as Verstappen still stands.

Ferrari Obstructing El Plan? Fernando Alonso Vouches for His Former Team After F1 Tests