Alonso hails ‘very special’ first run in Newey’s Aston Martin

Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso said that it felt "very special" to get behind the wheel of the Adrian Newey-designed machine for the first time.

It was a delayed start for the British team at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, as they were only able to get some miles under their belts on Thursday and Friday, missing the first three days.

However, once Alonso and teammate Lance Stroll got out on track, huge amounts of excitement was conveyed up and down the paddock.

"It was very special yesterday with Lance and today with me in the car," Alonso explained at the end of testing in Barcelona.

Photo: Aston Martin Aramco F1

"It was special for us, obviously the first car made by Adrian, together with Honda and Aramco, with all these new rules.

"Especially the last, I think, two weeks have been very, very intense, the factory trying to have the car ready. We just made it to Barcelona in the last two days, so it's a tremendous effort from everyone.

"I think it was phenomenal the last 48 hours. Thanks to everyone in the team here and at the factory. Now, we're looking forward to Bahrain."

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Alonso excited to work with 'teacher' Newey

All eyes were on Aston Martin during the first week of winter testing in 2026, with everyone looking to catch a glimpse of the Newey-designed machine for the first time.

The master designer was tasked with creating the car for the British team amid the overhaul of regulations, and he has now gone on to become team principal for Aston Martin for the 2026 season.

Although Thursday and Friday were the only days of running done by Aston Martin in Catalunya, Alonso was buoyed by the "super motivated" mood of the team, led by the 'teacher' Newey.

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