Alpine: Imola updates could prove 'more useful' at other tracks

Alpine racing director Davide Brivio was happy overall with the updates implemented on the team's A521 at Imola but says the changes could prove "more useful" at other upcoming tracks.

Alpine bagged its first points of the season in last weekend's Emilia Romagna GP.

Esteban Ocon finished the eventful race P10 just ahead of teammate Fernando Alonso, but both drivers gained a position in the final standings thanks to a penalty and subsequent demotion handed to Alfa Romeo's Kimi Raikkonen.

Brivio says the Enstone squad definitely made a step forward in Italy but suggests the changes to its A521 could have a stronger impact at other tracks.

"We found some improvements, yes, [and they are] working well, yes," Brivio said.

"There might be the possibility that maybe these improvements and these upgrades will be more useful also on other tracks.

"But yeah, we’re quite happy, and I think we did an improvement. We’ve come closer [to the cars ahead], I think."

At Imola, Alpine's car trailed the midfield contenders fielded by McLaren, Ferrari and Alpha Tauri.

Although Brivio claims the team's car has reduced the gap to its rivals, the Italian was reluctant to reveal by how much.

• Read also - Ocon: Dry race at Imola would have been 'a different story'

"I don’t want to say, [but] of course we have a number," Brivio said. "But I think I don’t want to say any number, to not make too much expectation or any disappointment. Let’s see.

"But of course we have a number. We have some feeling of improvement. We feel it’s better, and that’s why we keep going."

Alonso, who qualified a lowly P15 at Imola, six spots behind Ocon, says the updates have improved the A521's downforce levels and balance compared to Bahrain.

"All the new parts were positive in free practice," explained the Spaniard. "The things that we tested, they showed us there was an improvement in terms of aerodynamic load in the car, and more downforce in the car.

"Also the balance I think it is better than what it has been in Bahrain, with more rear grip. So overall I think we made a step forward in the right direction."

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