Miguel A. HerguedasSpecial Envoy Jeddah

Jeddah Special Envoy

Updated Thursday, March 7, 2024-16:30

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Aston Martin's announced improvements did not materialize in Jeddah, where the AMR24 appeared in the first free session with the only new feature being the rear wing.

The specific configuration for these dizzying corners on the Corniche Circuit, a track that is now better suited to

Fernando Alonso

's car .

Even without structural aerodynamic changes, the Asturian showed his good tone during the first free session of the Saudi Arabia GP.

He was only 18 hundredths behind the best time, the work of

Max Verstappen

(1:29.659).

On Wednesday, during his appearance before the media, Alonso had shown some caution.

He does not expect miracles in the second round of the World Cup, because according to Aston Martin's calculations, they are still the fifth team on the grid.

However, the times come out almost immediately in training.

And that's always something encouraging.

Sneaking ahead of

Sergio Pérez

, whom he surpassed by 23 thousandths, should also be a source of pride for the team led by

Mike Krack

.

The Mexican, in perpetual vindication, won on this asphalt last year and boasts of being a specialist on these semi-urban tracks.

Without knowing his fuel load, Alonso once again demonstrated the high level of the green car one lap away.

13 hundredths against Leclerc

The other positive note of the afternoon in Jeddah was the mere presence of

Carlos Sainz

, recovered from the gastrointestinal discomfort that had weakened him since Wednesday.

The Madrid native set the sixth time (1:30.164), only 13 hundredths slower than

Charles Leclerc

.

Without being relevant, the really hopeful thing is that he was able to complete the same program as his Ferrari teammate (24 laps).

Less inspired were

Lewis Hamilton

, eighth, almost three tenths behind

George Russell

, and

Lance Stroll

.

After his great performance in Sakhir, with a comeback to tenth place, the Canadian made a small mistake that caused him to touch one of the protections.

His priority in Jeddah will be to close the gap on Alonso, to whom he lost seven tenths.