09 June 2023 , 15:31
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Mike Krack declared his delight in reaction to Fernando Alonso's admission that he intends to stay with Aston Martin for the long-term.
Aged 41, Alonso is not only still driving in Formula 1 but competing. Five podiums from seven races so far this year have put him third in the drivers' standings behind only the two Red Bull racers.
And his exploits have also benefitted his new team. Aston Martin have spent most of the season so far in second place, but slipped below Mercedes after the Silver Arrows' strong showing at the Spanish Grand Prix.
It was in Barcelona, in front of his home crowd, that Alonso made that pledge about his future. "I'm going to be at Aston Martin for a few more years," he said.
Given his results so far this season, you would assume the team would be delighted about that. And team principal Krack confirmed that theory when questioned about it during the race weekend.
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"It's nice to hear that, that he has said that several years, we would be happy with that," said the Luxembourger. "I think the main thing, and this is one of the big qualities, is the desire to be at the front, the motivation. And I think this is fully on with Fernando.
"We don't think so much about that, to be honest, as you guys know. We take it race by race, and we try to do well every race. It's nice to hear that but we didn't think too much about it yet. Let's make it happen."
Mike Krack was delighted to hear Alonso's declaration (Getty Images)Krack's words come as the head of Sauber admitted Alonso would be a target if he is still racing when the team becomes Audi in 2026.
"I would always sign Fernando, even at 45 years or more. I was able to get to know him well at McLaren, when I was the manager of Stoffel Vandoorne, who was his team-mate," said Alessandro Alunni Bravi. "I was able to see first-hand the work he can do on a day-to-day basis as a driver, his ability, his great determination.
"He is a champion. You don't win two F1 world titles if you don't have certain characteristics. It's a pleasure for me to see him.. I cannot hide that Fernando is one of the top drivers in F1 and that has to be recognised."