No problems for Alpine in pre-launch shakedown for new A523

Alpine ran its new A523 for the first time today at Silverstone. The team confirmed it encountered no problems with its latest car.

Esteban Ocon and his new team mate Pierre Gasly shared driving at the track which plays host to the British Grand Prix. As the shakedown run constituted one of the team’s designated filming days the pair were limited to a maximum of 100 kilometres of running.

“I’m pleased the day ran so smoothly,” said the team’s technical director Matt Harman. “Esteban drove first in the morning to check all the systems were working properly as well as completing the usual install programme for the car.”

“Pierre was then in the car in the afternoon for the first time in the A523 and completed eight stable laps to get an initial feel in his new surroundings.

“These days are of course limited and not representative, but we’ve certainly had a great day and we now look forward to testing in Bahrain where we expect to continue our learning of the 2023 car.”

Pre-season testing will take place at Bahrain International Circuit from February 23rd to 25th.

Gasly, who drove for the team in post-season testing last year after joining them from AlphaTauri, said it was “a fantastic feeling to be driving again, especially in my new colours of Alpine.

“Today was about getting an initial feel for the car and it felt very good on the laps I drove,” he continued. “I know everyone at the team has worked tirelessly to develop the car over the winter and it’s a proud moment to drive it today and see everyone’s faces in the garage.”

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