London: Aston Martin upgrade plans for the Hungarian Grand Prix could help keep Fernando Alonso at the Formula One team for another season, Adrian Newey said.
Newey said Alonso was “really looking forward” to the package and wanted to see clear progress, according to a Q&A published on Aston Martin’s website.
Sky Sports reported that the upgrade will be introduced at the July 26 race at the Hungaroring after Aston Martin scored only one point in eight rounds. Newey said both Alonso and teammate Lance Stroll would receive the package in Hungary.
The upgrade keeps the main chassis and gearbox architecture but removes weight from both areas, requiring a fresh crash test.
Newey said Aston Martin had developed a new nose, revised aerodynamic surfaces and a slightly changed rear suspension.
He said the target was to get the car close to the weight limit, but he declined to give specific performance numbers because the team’s simulation tools were not fully correlated.
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The 67-year-old said Aston Martin had faced an “extremely challenging” season with an uncompetitive Honda engine and an overweight car.
Alonso, a two-time Formula One world champion with Renault in 2005 and 2006, will turn 45 next month and is the oldest driver on the grid.
The former Red Bull designer said Aston Martin expected a significant step but declined to give figures because the team’s simulation tools were still being improved.
