Vasseur labels Alfa progress as 'huge step forward'

©AlfaRomeo

Alfa Romeo team boss Frédéric Vasseur says the Swiss outfit's performance has "drastically" improved in 2019 relative to its mid-field rivals.

Alfa currently sits seventh in the Constructors' standings, a few points adrift from sixth-place team Renault, its tally almost single-handedly built by Kimi Raikkonen despite a three-race drought between Spain and Canada.

However, Vasseur is currently focused on his outfit's outright performance rather than its position in the pecking order, and the Frenchman is happy with the Hinwil squad's progress.

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"We are improving drastically," Vasseur told Motorsport.com.

"Last year we were 2.5s off, we are on average 1.5 and [in the most recent races] we were 1.2.

"For us it’s huge. Then we have to translate it in points, and that’s another story. At least in terms of potential, we made a huge step forward."

Sauber underwent a complete financial and management restructuring in 2017, recreating a foundation with Vasseur at the helm and Alfa Romeo as a reliable commercial partner, not to mention a closer technical relationship with Ferrari, the team's engine supplier.

©AlfaRomeo

Looking at the future, Vasseur aims to gradually instill better consistency into the team while still improving its performance.

“We did a small step back between last year and the beginning of the season," he explained.

“Perhaps not [right at] the beginning but we had a part of the season, maybe May, that made it more difficult.

"I think it’s the life of the development. Sometimes you are flat [in terms of performance] for one month, one day you have a big step forward.

"You need to have to look at the global picture. You can’t point out one race compared to last year.

"Overall we’ve made a progress of 1-1.5%, and this is huge. The next step for us is probably to be a bit more ready at race one, for next season."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.