Fernando Alonso admits Alpine could fight for P6 or P15 “very easily” in Formula 1’s tight midfield in 2021.
The double world champion is once again back training for his return to the grid after suffering a fractured jaw following a collision with a car while cycling in Switzerland earlier this month.
And Alonso will need to be at his best to go up against the likes of Sebastian Vettel, Daniel Ricciardo, Charles Leclerc and other up and coming talents in what could be a five-team battle for third in the Constructors’ Championship.
Although right now, the 39-year-old isn’t setting any definite goals.
“I didn’t start thinking about that yet – I think we are too early into preparations,” Alonso told the official Formula 1 Magazine.
“Maybe after the winter test you can imagine or dream about the first race and where you can be. Right now, I didn’t have any thoughts about that.”
Last year though, Alpine, formerly Renault, made strong progress, claiming three podiums en route to fifth in the final Teams’ standings.
“Realistically, we have to have our feet on the ground knowing that even if there are some changes for this year, they are not dramatic, so performance will not be too different compared to last year,” Alonso conceded.
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“I think Mercedes will be in front of everybody, then there will be Red Bull and there will be a close fight between a few teams.
“Alpine will be within that group of teams and that will be interesting to see who adapts better to the new regulations.
“I think it will be very tight, so we could be fighting for sixth or seventh on the grid or it could be 15th very easily. Our job is to be at least fighting for the top 10.”