Pierre Gasly is keen to see MotoGP levels of competition with a Brawn GP-like surprise from Formula 1's new 2022 regulations.
This season sees the introduction of very different cars developed specifically to make racing better by dramatically reducing the issue of turbulent air.
To ensure this aim is not undone by team designers, the regulations are also very restrictive on what can and can't be developed but as with all big rule changes, Gasly hopes AlphaTauri can find a trick to jump up the F1 grid.
"I’m excited because it’s an opportunity for the team and for me," he told Auto Motor und Sport.
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"At the same time, it would be naive to say it’s just an opportunity for us. Anyone can take a big step forward. I’m aware of that. I know that anything can happen. For better or for worse.
"What I’ve seen of the car so far makes me feel positive. I’m looking forward to the tests in Barcelona. Hopefully, we’ll have a surprise like Brawn GP back then."
Of course, that story saw what was Honda in 2008, struggling towards the back of the grid, became world champions by dominating the early part of the 2009 season thanks to the double diffuser and other innovations.
But with more restrictive rules this time, Gasly expects the grid to be more compact and hopefully, with more drivers fighting at the very front.
"I think the regulation change is trying to close the gap between all the teams," he told GPFans.
"Compare with MotoGP, for example, which I find fascinating because they've got six manufacturers, Honda, Ducati, Yamaha, Aprilia, KTM. I've missed one [Suzuki].
"But basically, everyone has got to get a chance to win races during the season because the balance of performance, they're closer together.
"I think that's what F1 should target, to basically put a bit more incentive in a driver's performance and give everyone a chance to win on certain days and make it a bit more unpredictable."
The Frenchman though does admit that won't happen straight away.
"As I've said, these big teams have way more resources, way more money for so many years that they have learned a lot," he explained.
"The knowledge they have about everything is multiplied compared to smaller teams with less budget.
"The facilities they have built, they are more efficient, better tools so it's difficult to catch up on that.
"But I think F1 is going in the right direction to try to bring the field a bit closer. If we do that, then I think, stronger results and podiums from the midfield, there will be a lot more chances and that's what we need as a midfield team."
