MELBOURNE // Sunday's Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park will mark the beginning of a new era for Formula One, according to Fernando Alonso, the two-time world champion.
The introduction of quick-wearing tyres, driver-controlled aerodynamics and button-operated energy recovery systems means teams will have plenty of options to consider this season. But while the Red Bull Racing duo of Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel — the reigning world champion — have criticised some of the innovations, Alonso is of the belief teams must adapt.
"For sure, it is a new way of doing the races in terms of the strategy, so let's say a new Formula One is starting here in Melbourne," Ferrari's Spanish driver said.
"I think everyone will have a different opinion, but in my case I don't think there is a particular problem with the new rules or the things we need to do with the steering wheel.
"They are a part of our job, we are professional drivers and we need to understand between us and our teams the most comfortable way of using the new things. If you have no time to do all the things on the steering wheel, you don't do it, it's not a mandatory thing."
Unsurprisingly for a man who arrived at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last November leading the championship only to lose it after a poor strategic call from his team, Alonso is desperate to get back behind the wheel and forget the disappointment of Yas Marina Circuit.
"From the last race of last year it has been a lot of months," he said. "The extra 15 days with the Bahrain cancellation was not the best thing, so finally we are racing again and we are very happy to be here."
Ironically, Alonso intimated race tactics could be more important than ever. He also added he and Ferrari teammate Felipe Massa are best placed to benefit having racked up the highest mileage during winter testing.
The Italian team completed almost 7,000 kilometres, more than 800 more than nearest rival Red Bull.
Massa agreed with his teammate's prediction. "We will have many more pit stops as tyre degradation is higher," the Brazilian driver said. "Strategy will be even more important and we will have to have good strategy if we are to have a good race.
"But we are the team who did the most kilometres. We saw many days cars running 60 laps, cars having many problems, we were doing minimum 100 laps every day, so that is a positive."
gmeenaghan@thenational.ae
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
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The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
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THREE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS
Khalfan Mubarak
The Al Jazira playmaker has for some time been tipped for stardom within UAE football, with Quique Sanchez Flores, his former manager at Al Ahli, once labelling him a “genius”. He was only 17. Now 23, Mubarak has developed into a crafty supplier of chances, evidenced by his seven assists in six league matches this season. Still to display his class at international level, though.
Rayan Yaslam
The Al Ain attacking midfielder has become a regular starter for his club in the past 15 months. Yaslam, 23, is a tidy and intelligent player, technically proficient with an eye for opening up defences. Developed while alongside Abdulrahman in the Al Ain first-team and has progressed well since manager Zoran Mamic’s arrival. However, made his UAE debut only last December.
Ismail Matar
The Al Wahda forward is revered by teammates and a key contributor to the squad. At 35, his best days are behind him, but Matar is incredibly experienced and an example to his colleagues. His ability to cope with tournament football is a concern, though, despite Matar beginning the season well. Not a like-for-like replacement, although the system could be adjusted to suit.
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
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Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
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Price: From Dh149,900
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
