Paris (AFP)

Now Alpine, the former Renault team is approaching 2021 with the objective of "continuing the momentum of 2020", which has seen it return to the podiums, but above all to "prepare for the change of regulations" scheduled for 2022 which must redistribute the cards in F1.

"The objective is to continue in the tradition of last year (three podiums but only a 5th place in the championship, editor's note) with more regularity", indicated the new general manager Laurent Rossi during the virtual launch of the season of French manufacturer Tuesday.

But also to "prepare to be ready" for the following season, which will put in competition new single-seaters designed within the limit of an annual budget ceiling.

"We want to approach this new era with high ambitions. We will not arrive with the objective of doing well but of winning," Rossi reaffirmed.

Alpine will compete in the 2021 exercise, which begins in Bahrain on March 28, with an F1 called the A521 which is an "evolution (of the Renault) from last year", according to the executive director Marcin Budkowski, responsible for the technique.

The same goes for its engine, which will change in 2022.

Indeed, this year, the bulk of developments are frozen for the stables as a measure of economy in the face of the coronavirus crisis.

"However, every part outside this field has been developed and improved, especially at the rear where new aerodynamic restrictions have been imposed," says Alpine.

And the car sports new colors: blue, white and red instead of black and yellow.

At his wheel, we will find the French Esteban Ocon (24 years old), 2nd in the Sakhir Grand Prix at the end of last season for his first year with the team and his first podium in F1, accompanied by Fernando Alonso (39 years), 2005 and 2006 world champion with Renault, back after two years of absence from the category.

Having had a jaw surgery in February after a bicycle accident, the Spaniard was exempted from participating in the presentation on Tuesday but will be present at the pre-season testing from March 12 to 14 in Bahrain.

"He is doing really well, Rossi insisted. Doctors have confirmed that he will be back in Bahrain."

To replace them if they caught the Covid-19, the Russian Daniil Kvyat (110 starts, 202 points and three podiums in six seasons between 2014 and 2020) was recruited as a reserve driver.

In addition to Rossi, who replaced Cyril Abiteboul at the beginning of January, a third man has joined the management team formed with Budkowski: Davide Brivio, who came from MotoGP and who will be responsible, as sporting director, for on-track operations and to manage the pilots. .

"It's a challenge because it's a different environment, more technically complex, remarks the Italian. You have to learn quickly but it's still mechanical sport, teamwork, the pilots have the same mentality. The human dimension. is the same. "

The A521 will make its first track on Wednesday at Silverstone in the hands of Ocon, during a promotional shoot.

© 2021 AFP