Alpine A523 makes on-track debut at Silverstone ahead of upcoming launch

The Alpine A523 is yet to launch officially, but that did not stop the team from taking their new creation for a spin at Silverstone.

As per the rules of Formula 1, each team is allowed to conduct two promotional events, often called filming days, in their current cars per year. Running is capped at 100 kilometres per outing.

And at a time where teams are getting a first feel for their 2023 challengers, Alpine were joining the party before they have even held their launch event for the A523 on February 16.

In a statement Alpine confirmed that they had successfully completed the filming day at Silverstone, where Esteban Ocon took care of the morning running, spanning nine laps, before new team-mate Pierre Gasly took over in the afternoon, completing eight laps.

The team confirmed that the “A523 ran without any issues”, meaning Alpine had the ideal smooth run ahead of pre-season testing in Bahrain from February 23-25.

Gasly has made the switch from Red Bull’s sister team AlphaTauri to join Alpine, this his first venture in Formula 1 outside of the Red Bull programme.

And he called it a “proud moment” to get behind the wheel of the A523 as he settles into life wearing Alpine blue.

“It’s a fantastic feeling to be driving again, especially in my new colours of Alpine,” he said. “Today was about getting an initial feel for the car and it felt very good on the laps I drove.

“我知道团队的每个人都在不知疲倦地工作to develop the car over the winter and it’s a proud moment to drive it today and see everyone’s faces in the garage. I’m looking forward to the launch on Thursday and then learning even more about the car at testing.”

PlanetF1.com recommends

AlphaTauri engineer highlights Pierre Gasly’s ‘fair’ to say problem with the new gen cars
Fernando Alonso takes aim at Alpine: ‘Aston Martin are not happy with fourth’
Alpine’s goal for 2023 is to ‘get one step closer’ in the ‘Mountain Climber’ plan

Gasly’s team-mate Ocon clocked up nine laps before handing the A523 over to Gasly, calling it an “honour” to get the ball rolling for Alpine’s 2023 efforts on the track.

He said: “It’s not until you get back out on track in a Formula 1 car that you realise how much you miss it! It was an honour to drive the A523 today and experience first-hand all the hard work and improvements that have gone into this car.

“A big thank you to all the women and men at Viry and Enstone for reaching this milestone and seeing the car on-track for the first time.

“The first lap is always a memorable one and I’m glad today went smoothly. We will show the A523 to the world this Thursday at the launch and also on track in Bahrain next week.”