Pirelli is all set to replace 13-inch tires with massive 18-inch tires from the next F1 season, and there have already been concerns arriving from many racing drivers, including Mick Schumacher, who acknowledged the complications those humongous tires were holding beneath. Interestingly, one driver is ecstatic about this change- Fernando Alonso.

The Spaniard, unlike the rest of the grid, has already driven those 18-inch tires during his 1-year stint in his title-winning 2018/19 World Endurance Championship followed up the two victories in the Le Mans.

Hence, Alonso is considering this as an advantage, heading into the 2022 season. Could this well hand Alonso a few more podiums next season, or maybe victories even?

What did Fernando Alonso say?

As reported by Motorsport Total, Alonso acknowledged that the 18-inch tires can be quite complex for many drivers. Contrastingly, there he stands, absolutely comfortable with it, thanks to his past on-track experiences.

“I know tires like this very well from the WEC,” he said.

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“These tires behave the same way [as in the WEC] and you have to drive them exactly the same way. It’s very different. Others are facing this challenge for the first time, me for the second or third time. That is good,” Alonso admitted.

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Alonso already awaiting the 2022 F1 season

The Alpine driver acknowledged that he will be happy to go racing again at the Bahrain Grand Prix next week if he had to. “Oh, I’m super strong and ready!” he said with excitement on his face. “I could continue with Bahrain next week.”

“Of course, at 40 I no longer train as I did at 23. Yes, you have to train more, eat differently and do many, many other things to stay in the same shape and be the same strength. But I’m ready for that. That’s why I am I came back too,” he concluded.

Overall, Alonso is certainly one of the drivers to watch out for over the 2022 season, if not in the contention for the championship, at least in the mid-field battle.

Yes, the Spaniard is looking fit enough to win races as he did with Renault and Ferrari. But, it all eventually comes down to his current team Alpine offering him a competitive enough car. So, how is the 2021 season going to pan out for Alonso?

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