As we eagerly await for the first track sessions later this week, Alpine has revealed their challenger for 2022. The A522 will be driven by ‘wily old fox’ Fernando Alonso and Frenchmen Esteban Ocon, after the pair partnered up in 2021, following Alonso’s comeback. It must be noted that this launch was a show car, as the real car is already being built in Barcelona.
Despite finishing 5th in 2021, Alpine and Alonso will be hoping to have made a big step up with the highly anticipated new 2022 regulations. They will be looking to build upon their sole win with Ocon in Hungary and Alonso’s 3rd place in Qatar.
Alpine also partners up with water treatment company, BWT, signing a long term partnership with the team, which is displayed on the new livery. The Alpine and BWT pink contrasts surprisingly well, designed by Sean Bull.
The launch comes after CEO Laurent Rossi made substantial changes in the team structure. Otmar Szafnauer replaces Marcin Budkowski. Whilst former Deputy Sport Secretary-General for Formula 1, Bruno Famin heads the engine division. Pat Fry and Matt Harman were also promoted as part of Alpine’s early technical team shake-up. Lastly, another change sees Davide Brivio move to the new role of Director of Racing Expansion Projects. Former World Champion, Prost, also left the team.
However, there have been rumours that the Renault engine in the Alpine car has been highly unreliable and misfiring following the rule change and use of E10 fuels, which we will soon see at the Barcelona session later this week if these sources are proven to be correct.
Will it be ‘El Plan’ or ‘L Plan’ for Alpine? Only time will tell.
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