Scuderia @AlphaTauriF1 unleash it’s 2021 challenger, the #AT02. #F1

Scuderia AlphaTauri have released it’s new challenger that will compete in the 2021 FIA Formula One World Championship, the Honda-powered AT02, in a launch event held at AlphaTauri’s new showroom in Salzburg, Austria.

The launch was presented digitally and saw Red Bull’s premium fashion brand model it’s 2021 Autumn/Winter collection alongside the team’s new look for the upcoming Formula 1 campaign.

AlphaTauri’s AT02 features an all-new matte blue and white livery, and after a successful first season racing in the brands colours, the Faenza-based outfit is aiming to challenge the top of the highly competitive midfield.

The team is confident in it’s driver pairing, Pierre Gasly, who has been with the team since 2017 (including a brief stint with parent squad Red Bull Racing in early 2019 before being demoted back after 12 appearances), scored two podiums and claimed a maiden shock victory at last season’s Italian Grand Prix – meaning his experience with the outfit will allow him to step up in a team leader role.

Alongside the Frenchman, will be 20-year-old Yuki Tsunoda, the first Japanese driver to compete in Formula 1 since 2014. His promotion to Formula One, comes after a quick four season trajectory, claiming the 2018 F4 Japanese Championship and finishing third in last year’s FIA Formula 2 Championship to enter the highest level this campaign.

The expectations are high for the Japanese youngster and his fast rapid learning to complement the experience of Gasly.

“The decision to go for Pierre and Yuki in 2021 was taken because Scuderia AlphaTauri’s philosophy is still to give talented young drivers from the Red Bull Junior Program the opportunity to step up to F1 and to educate them – this is why Yuki now gets his chance,” explained Scuderia Team Principal, Franz Tost. “With Pierre on Yuki’s side we have an experienced driver, who can help our Japanese rookie to develop faster, but at the same time we can aim for good results. I think this pair is the best possible scenario to achieve both our targets, and I’m also confident this will be a successful one.” Tost concluded. Credit to AlphaTauri for the quote. https://www.scuderiaalphatauri.com/en/at02-alphatauri-aw21-collection/

Last season, Scuderia AlphaTauri won the best livery on the grid, with the team’s new contender taking the centre stage alongside the drivers at the fashion event, waiting for the unveiling of the AT02, which will debut on-track at the Bahrain International Circuit, in Sakhir, Bahrain for pre-season testing.

The test is a gateway to a record-breaking 23-race calendar, and in preparation for the long-demanding schedule, it’s drivers have spent time at Red Bull’s Athlete Performance Centre for an intense fitness testing programme.

“I’m ready to take on the role of team leader. Yuki is a very quick driver, and he will help us move the team forward – we will work together to achieve that,” said Gasly. “I really believe last year was the team’s best in terms of the way it worked, the development, the performance and the way it managed the race weekends. I’m always hungry for more, and I’m sure we can achieve great things in 2021.” Gasly concluded. Credit to AlphaTauri for the quote.

Tsunoda, who was given the Anthoine Hubert Award for best rookie in the FIA Formula 2 Championship last season added.

 “I’ve been lucky enough to spend some time with Scuderia AlphaTauri ahead of the season, so I’m already developing strong relationships and learning a lot from them – including Pierre, who is an incredible talent. My main goal is to learn quickly and deliver results as soon as possible, and I’m really excited to get started.” Tsunoda concluded. Credit to AlphaTauri for the quote.

Scuderia AlphaTauri’s AT02 will hit the track for the first time at the Bahrain pre-season test from March 12-14, ahead of the season-opening Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2021 at the Bahrain International Circuit a fortnight later from March 26-28.

#TermiOnTrackF1 Monthly News – The latest from the world of #F1.