AlphaTauri 2021 F1 car on track at Imola

AlphaTauri has given its 2021 car a shakedown at Imola

AT02 AlphaTauri 2021 F1 car

The 2021 AlphaTauri on track for the first time

Federico Basile / DPPI

AlphaTauri has given its new 2021 car, the AT02, its first shakedown at Imola ahead of pre-season testing beginning next month.

The team unveiled its livery for the new season at its launch but its actual ’21 car hit the track for the first time at the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari on Wednesday.

Pierre Gasly and new driver Yuki Tsunoda were on hand to give the AT02 a run out, showing off the new front nose shape and floor for the new season.

Featuring a development of of its blue and alpine white livery first seen last year, the design extends to its wheels, which features white rims.

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After a promising 2021 in which Pierre Gasly took the team’s first win for 12 years, expectations are high for for Faenza-based team and its drivers.

“The decision to go for Pierre and Yuki in 2021 was taken because Scuderia AlphaTauri’s philosophy is still to give talented young drivers from the Red Bull Junior Program the opportunity to step up to F1 and to educate them – this is why Yuki now gets his chance,” said AlphaTauri Team Principal, Franz Tost.

“With Pierre on Yuki’s side we have an experienced driver, who can help our Japanese rookie to develop faster, but at the same time we can aim for good results. I think this pair is the best possible scenario to achieve both our targets, and I’m also confident this will be a successful one.”

Yuki Tsunoda, who was the leading F2 rookie in 2021, spoke of his excitement of a debut year in F1.

“I’ve been lucky enough to spend some time with Scuderia AlphaTauri ahead of the season, so I’m already developing strong relationships and learning a lot from them – including Pierre, who is an incredible talent,” he said. “My main goal is to learn quickly and deliver results as soon as possible, and I’m really excited to get started.”