2022 will be the season of truth for Yuki Tsunoda. The Japanese driver, after having impressed in 2020 in Formula 2, also obtaining the trophy dedicated to the memory of Anthoine Hubert and reserved for the rookie of the year, has experienced a 2021 full of ups and downs in Formula 1.
On his debut in Bahrain, Yuki surprised by immediately scoring the points after showing the world the house specialty: overtaking in braking. The ninth place obtained at the debut, however, was not followed by other important results and indeed there were many accidents in which the Japanese was involved.
The risk of Tusnoda getting lost seemed real, but AlphaTauri intervened decisively in order not to waste oriental talent by deciding to have Yuki transferred to Italy. Thanks to this move, and Alex Albon’s support on the track, Tsunoda was able to find himself and then end his debut season in Formula 1 with a surprise fourth place in the chaotic Abu Dhabi race finale.
On the sidelines of the presentation of the splendid AlphaTauri AT03, Tsunoda spoke about his expectations for this season.
“I really can’t wait to get back to racing. Compared to last year, I feel I have a much better understanding of what I need to do and I know how to prepare to do it best. I know my weaknesses, I can use all my experience from the past year to progress and I have worked hard to be ready ”.
“Last year, when I was faced with an unusual or unexpected situation, I was unable to adapt quickly enough and that is why I struggled in many races. I finished 2021 with a flourish in fourth place in Abu Dhabi, so I want to maintain this momentum for the new season. I feel more pressure, but it is positive pressure, capable of motivating me when I train ”.
AlphaTauri AT03
Photo by: AlphaTauri
Yuki admitted that he has already had the opportunity to test the new car in the simulator. Furthermore, the Japanese will enjoy a small advantage: knowledge of the 18 ” Pirellis already used in Formula 2 in 2020.
“I have already tested the car in the simulator. The team is still importing a large amount of data from the wind tunnel but, even if the specification was not yet complete, I had a feeling similar to what I experienced behind the wheel in the Abu Dhabi texts at the end of last season. Obviously, the downforce is lower than last year and I felt it clearly in some corners. Overall, I had a good impression: we will see at the Barcelona shakedown how the car goes on the track ”.
“In general, the car is much more precise, with sharper movements. On long runs, the larger tires feel completely different than the previous 13-inch tires. For me it was not a new sensation, because I experienced the switch to 18-inch tires when I raced in Formula 2 and therefore I felt the same difference. It seemed very similar to me and so I think I can take advantage of the experience gained in F2. But this year it’s not just the tires that change, there are many new features to adapt to this year ”.
Tsunoda then said he was aware of the objectives for his second season in Formula 1. The Japanese wants to maintain the good performance seen in the 2021 final.
“I want to improve pace and consistency. I know what I need to do to achieve this. If I can work like I did in the last three or four races last year, it will be a good start. It won’t be easy, but I’m confident “.
AlphaTauri AT03
Photo by: AlphaTauri
Finally, Yuki turned a special thought to her oriental fa. If the calendar does not undergo upheavals, in fact, this year Tsunoda will have the opportunity to finally run to Suzuka.
“Racing in Suzuka will be special. It has always been my dream to be able to race in F1 in front of the Japanese fans and it would be even better to get a good result. For now, I just want to focus on improving the overall level of my overall performance from last year. I feel I am more prepared ”.
#Tsunoda #tires #Ill #advantage #experience