Alfa Romeo driver Fernando Alonso has heaped praise on his new teammate Guanyu Zhou. The Spaniard admitted the Chinese is a talented driver in Formula 1.
Zhou, who was a member of Alpine’s youth academy, will make his debut in the category aboard Alfa Romeo in the 2022 season, becoming the first Chinese-born starter in the series’ history.
“I’m happy for him. He’s a good kid and we had him at the academy this year, so I had a couple of test days with him.” Alonso said.
“Last year I was testing the old Renault on my return to the sport and I shared a few days with Zhou in Bahrain and Abu Dhabi. We have a good relationship, I’m happy for him for this opportunity,” Alonso added.
Zhou has spent three seasons in Formula 2 and will replace Italian Antonio Giovinazzi, who has been with Alfa Romeo since 2019, and now leaves to compete in Formula E.
“Antonio is leaving, but that’s how it works in sport. But it’s good for Formula 1 in general, and I think for China and for Zhou. We look forward to racing with him and welcoming him in the best possible way.” Alonso said.
Guanyu and Fernando will be present at the Formula 1 pre-season testing in Barcelona , between February 23 and 25. The Chinese driver’s debut is scheduled to take place on March 20, at the opening of the World Championship, with the Bahrain GP.
Alfa Romeo ended the mystery and became the seventh team to announce, this Wednesday, the car’s launch date for the 2022 Formula 1 season. The C42 will be unveiled to the world on February 27, two days after the end of the first round of pre-season testing in Barcelona, Spain.
The next F2 test session is scheduled to take place in Bahrain between March 10 and 12, before the official opening of the championship, which takes place at the same circuit, on March 20.
