Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack has downplayed suggestions that the Silverstone-based team could be fighting for the victory this weekend at the Bahrain Grand Prix, following a sensational performance at pre-season testing.
If things go as expected, then Aston Martin could find themselves amongst Red Bull and Ferrari at the Bahrain International Circuit this weekend, with the side’s long runs during the final day of testing having been significantly better than Mercedes and on a par with Ferrari.
The British side have worked tirelessly over the winter break to design a very strong car, with the AMR23 set to be well clear of the midfield.
It’s remarkable to think that it was only a few months ago that they claimed seventh in the Constructors’ Championship, with the top three perhaps looking like a real possibility.
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The likes of Christian Horner have spoken very highly of Aston Martin’s apparent pace, with Fernando Alonso perhaps set to do battle with Max Verstappen.
The thought of Aston Martin towards the front is incredibly exciting, of course, but Krack is aware that the side must “keep our feet on the ground”, with the team boss admitting that the team “are realists” and won’t be drawn into rumours.
“Yeah but these dynamics, like someone says it’s good, and it’s very good – it’s like when the word goes around the children at school,” said Krack, as reported by The Race.
“So, I think we need to keep our feet on the ground. Our expectations are always high, and this time of year, everybody wants to do well and talk others into some roles.
“We are realists. We have clear objectives, to improve compared to where we were last year. And then we will see.”
It was Aston Martin’s race run that certainly caught the attention of the leading trio, with Mercedes at real risk of being pushed down to fourth, at least for the start of the forthcoming season.
The truth will be discovered, of course, this weekend, with Krack stating that the team won’t “start dreaming”.
“The race simulation was certainly not bad. But we must also not forget that the track conditions were really good,” Krack added.
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“You had a lot of rubber because there were other teams using new tyres a lot of times, also with soft rubber. And this is helping when you do a race simulation.
“So again, it is nice to have good long runs, but still you need to really put them into the right context. And let’s not start dreaming.
“Fernando said it, there are no miracles in Formula 1.”