Alonso warns Alpine to "save energy" in 23-race season "challenge"

Fernando Alonso has urged all in Alpine to conserve energy where they can after issuing a reminder that this year's record 23-race Formula 1 calendar is a marathon and not a sprint.

Alonso, who returns to F1 after a two-year break, knows all about the demands of an exhausting campaign as in 2018 he competed in 21 grands prix, five rounds of the World Endurance Championship and the Daytona 24 Hours.

It has resulted in the two-time F1 champion making clear to his Alpine colleagues to be mindful of how they manage themselves across 23 races in nine months.

"Another challenge, not only for me but for everybody in the team and in the paddock is the 23 races," said Alonso.

"We have to be just aware of that number as well and try to save energy when you can during the year.

“Even in the months of June, August, September, even if you feel fresh, the more you save, the better you will be in November, December."

Last year, seven of the 10 teams stood on the podium at least once, including Alpine in its former guise as Renault which was involved in a three-way fight with McLaren and Racing Point - now Aston Martin - over third in the constructors' standings.

With such a compact midfield, Alonso is aware the team has to be on point to succeed on this occasion.

“I think how the midfield is right now it is very competitive so it is something that we are aware of that we need to maximise and make perfection every weekend if we want to score good points," added Alonso

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