Aston Martin give Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll first AMR23 run at Silverstone

Henry Valantine
Fernando Alonso in the Aston Martin AMR23 cockpit. Silverstone February 2023.

Fernando Alonso in the Aston Martin AMR23 cockpit. Silverstone February 2023.

The Aston Martin AMR23 has had its first laps of Silverstone as both Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll were able to get behind the wheel on Wednesday.

The team took part in one of their permitted filming days prior to the season starting, with running limited to 100km as Aston Martin made sure everything was in check with their new machinery.

Both Alonso and Stroll were able to have a go behind the wheel for a handful of laps in their first taste of Formula 1 action in their new car, with three full days of pre-season testing to come in Bahrain from February 23.

Aston Martin will be hoping the AMR23 is able to propel them further up the Constructors’ Championship table this season after two consecutive seventh-place finishes, with work continuing on their new factory at Silverstone which they feel will give them the infrastructure to compete at the very front of the field.

But in the immediate term, both their drivers were pleased to get themselves back out on track in a new car and look forward to the season ahead.

“It was a good day and I enjoyed getting to drive the AMR23 for the very first time,” Alonso said after the session.

“It’s nice to be back and feel the speed of a Formula 1 car after some time away from it. We completed lots of things today because it’s a filming day and we got through our plan smoothly.

“We only have to wait until testing next week and we will get to know our car better there and understand more of where the competition is after the winter.

“We only have one and a half days each to get up to speed with everything in Bahrain, so we have to maximise the time we have with the car.”

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Stroll added: “Taking the AMR23 out for the very first time was a special moment and the car felt good.

Lance Stroll in the Aston Martin AMR23. Silverstone February 2023.
Lance Stroll in the Aston Martin AMR23. Silverstone February 2023.

“Everything was working as expected and running smoothly which is the most important thing as we prepare for the upcoming test in Bahrain.

“We know there is always plenty to be learnt at the start of the year, but we made a strong start this morning and I really enjoyed being back behind the wheel.

“There’s nothing quite like putting your right foot down in a brand new Formula 1 car after a long winter break!”

Aston Martin also had to share Silverstone with Mercedes for the day, who ran their own separate shakedown for the W14 later on after they launched their new car at the circuit on Wednesday morning.