'Saving energy' key to record 23-race schedule - Alonso

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Fernando Alonso says that teams and drivers will need to manage their efforts accordingly across this season's record 23-race campaign.

Formula 1 is seeking to return its business back to normal after last year's 17-race COVID-disrupted season. Although the global pandemic continues to linger, the sport will begin its relentless haul of races next week in Bahrain.

Will 23 events and three triple headers scheduled in the second half of the season, there will be little opportunity for teams to catch their breath until the curtain falls on the 2021 season in Abu Dhabi on December 5.

Alpine's Alonso reckons that everyone will need to manage their energy levels appropriately during the over eight-month record run. overload

"One of the challenges this year, not only for me but for everyone in the team and in the paddock, is the 23 races," he told Spanish sports streaming service DAZN.

"We all have to have that number in mind because you have to try to save energy when you can during the year.

"Even during the months of June, August, September, even if you feel fresh, the more you save the better you will be in November, December.

"The grid is very competitive at the moment, so that’s something we are aware of, so we will have to maximise our actions, be efficient so we don’t tire ourselves out more than necessary.

"We will have to aim for perfection every weekend if we want to score good points."

Read also: Alonso quickly 'up to speed' with Alpine - Brivio

Alonso returns to the fray after a two-year absence from F1. But the 39-year-old's various motorsport programs in 2019 and 2020, and a thorough preparation period with Alpine, have upheld the two-time F1 world champion's physical form.

"I feel good, very happy to be back in the paddock and in Formula 1 in general," he said.

"I’ve been a bit busy the last few years and it’s not like I stayed on the couch at home, so I missed it marginally because I was really busy.

"But it’s very nice to go back to training, drive these sophisticated cars, re-test, the excitement of the first corners and the whole strategic framework that exists during a race while taking care of the tyres."

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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.