Fernando Alonso reveals track walk “superstition”

Alonso and Hamilton in Bahrain — Photo: © LAT Images

Fernando Alonso

Alonso reveals track walk “superstition”

Spaniard has only scored points when he walks the track this season

Will Gray

Friday 2 July 2021 13:15

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Fernando Alonso has become a regular participant in pre-race track walks this season because he feels it is a lucky omen.

For most of his career, Spaniard Alonso has shunned the traditional pre-race activity, which most drivers do on a Thursday to get a feel of the track before climbing into the cockpit the following day.

That has changed this season, however, with the Alpine driver registering points finishes at each race at which he has walked the tack ahead of the weekend running.

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He explained: “I did one in Portimao this year because it was a new circuit and it was the best weekend, we did score good points and were competitive there.

“We stopped in Barcelona and in Monaco and we came back to not scoring points. So we said ok, we try again in Baku. We finished sixth, so it was our best race. So at that moment, we kept doing track walks and keep scoring points on Sundays, so at the moment it is a pure superstitious thing.”

Alonso hoping for good omens in Austria

Alonso had a challenging time last weekend at the Red Bull Ring but still scored points with a ninth-place finish, his fifth points-scoring finish in the eight races so far this season.

This weekend sees the teams race at the same place again, but with softer tyres and the prospect of wet weather throwing a few unknowns into the mix, Alonso walked the track once again in hope of securing another points score.

He said: “I am enjoying the two Red Bull Ring races, together with France will make three in a row, so that is good for racing. [Last weekend] was a tough weekend in terms of competitiveness. We have to raise our level.

“This weekend, different tyres and the threat of the weather hopefully will help us a little bit, because I don’t think that it is the best layout for our package but some points will be available for sure and we have to take any opportunities.”