Interview
Alatalo not upping his expectations despite ‘positive’ pre-season test
Although William Alatalo came away from pre-season testing in a positive mood, the Jenzer Motorsport racer says he’ll be taking things one day at a time in his rookie year.
Making the top 10 four times out of six during the three-day test, Alatalo appears to have quickly gotten to grips with the upgrade in machinery, although the 19-year-old asserted that “there is still a lot to improve” on.
“There have been ups and downs, but we have learned a lot,” said Alatalo. “On the first day it went well, and I finished P2. On Day 2 and Day 3, we struggled at times, but then did well at other points. We learned a lot from the Quali and new tyre runs, as well as from the race runs that we did.
“Overall, I have come away quite positive, although there is a lot to improve on. We’re analysing all of the data at the moment and working on that. I have learned a lot from the team and the engineers and am happy with the work we’ve done.
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“I am just looking forward to a race weekend now. If we can do a good job, like we did at testing, and put everything together, then I think we can do quite well at the first round in Bahrain.”
Despite his bright start to F3, Alatalo says he won’t be adjusting his expectations just yet.
The Finnish racer will be making the step up from Formula Regional European, where he placed 11th with one podium, and appreciates the upgrade in machinery is likely to feel greater during a race weekend.
“It's a big jump from last year in Formula Regional,” he continued. “Formula Regional is a good series, but this is a step up. Everything is different. We're on an F1 weekend now and a lot more is happening.
“I am only focused on my driving. This is a hard car to get used to and I am putting all of my efforts into it. As much as I would like to have a specific target, it is hard to say right now. I want to make the top 10 positions and get some championship points.
“I'll start from there and hopefully we can do even better. I do think we can do better than just the top 10, but we'll see where we are on the first weekend.”