Alpine unveils final 2023 Formula 1 car as Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly express high hopes at launch

Alpine unveiled its A523 at a glitzy launch in London on Thursday night; Pierre Gasly replaces Fernando Alonso to hitch Esteban Ocon this 12 months; All of the automobiles have now been revealed, with pre-season testing stay on Sky Sports activities F1 from subsequent Thursday

Alpine ended the Components 1 launch season in spectacular vogue by unveiling its new A523 automotive in London, with the group expressing hopes of closing in on the game’s high three this 12 months.

The ultimate of the ten groups to disclose their challenger earlier than the beginning of pre-season testing subsequent Thursday – stay on Sky Sports activities F1 – Alpine organized a lavish launch to current its automotive, its ambitions and a brand new driver within the particular person of Pierre Gasly, changing double champion Fernando Alonso.

Gasly and team-mate Esteban Ocon kind an all-French driver line-up for the French group – a luxurious sub-brand of Renault – which is getting into its third season after the identify change.

2022 has been their most profitable but, with Alpine managing to overtake McLaren because the quickest midfield group after the main guidelines overhaul.

“We’re right here for the long run,” stated Renault CEO Luca de Meo. “Hopefully we get nearer to the highest.”

The goal now will likely be to consolidate that place – amid expectations Aston Martin may also be a part of this struggle – whereas closing the hole to the three quickest groups, Crimson Bull, Ferrari and Mercedes.

Alpine, like most groups, says its A523 is an evolution of final 12 months’s automotive, with enhancements anticipated all through the season.

The group is powered by a Renault engine which – regardless of having reliability points final 12 months – now feels as quick as rival Energy Models, and is led by group boss Otmar Szafnauer.

Revered and skilled engineer Pat Fry is their technical director.

Pre-season testing will happen February 23-25 ​​in Bahrain earlier than the beginning of the season on the identical monitor because the Bahrain GP on March 5. Testing in addition to all apply, qualifying and race classes will likely be stay on Sky Sports activities F1.

Can Gasly fill Alonso’s boots at Alpine?

Alpine thought they’d have Alonso as their driver for 2023. Then they thought they’d have Oscar Piastri. After a switch saga that dominated the summer time in F1, they reunited with Gasly. It could find yourself being a stroke of genius.

Gasly, after a stellar junior profession, impressed at Toro Rosso earlier than becoming a member of Crimson Bull, to battle alongside Max Verstappen – as many did earlier than and after him.

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F1 twists are again. Benefit from the journey stay on Sky Sports activities. The season begins on March 3!

He was let go after simply half a season with the F1 leaders earlier than being despatched again to the sister group, the place he impressed and gained his first race the next season for the now AlphaTauri.

He is been de facto group boss since then and has now earned his switch to Alpine, following within the footsteps of Carlos Sainz – now at Ferrari – leaving the Crimson Bull household and becoming a member of Renaults.

Gasly and Ocon have had a rocky relationship – significantly hostile throughout their karting years – however the couple at the moment are tasked with main one thing of a French Revolution.