F1 | Alpine set to unveil the A522 on the 21st of February
The French team has the latest date announced so far, only two days before the Barcelona tests, with 2021 drivers Ocon and Alonso confirmed to retain their place, while the Team Principal and Alain Prost have left the team
Alpine F1 Team has just announced the date for the unveiling of their new challenger, which will compete in the 2022 championship. It's the second season in the sport for the French team after their rebranding from Renault.
The A522 will be shown to the world for the first time on the 21st of February, the furthest presentation date announced so far. In fact, the debut will happen only two days before the Barcelona pre-season test is set to start on the 23rd, as confirmed by F1.
It's also going to be the first French car made in accordion to the new regulations, that will finally be issued after a two years delay.
Alpine announced the chosen day with a video issued on their social media, which features apparel provided by newly-appointed Official Partner Kappa.
Something's coming... We're edging closer to the new era of #Alpine innovation.
— Alpine F1 Team (@AlpineF1Team) January 26, 2022
Save the Date 🗓️ 21.02.22#A522 @alpinecars @alpineracing pic.twitter.com/eYk9459ylb
ATTENTION: This 𝙞𝙨 the sound of our fire-up 💥
— Alpine F1 Team (@AlpineF1Team) January 21, 2022
Heralding a new era of #Alpine innovation and progress. Pushing the boundaries of #F1 technology. Showcasing the collaborative spirit between Enstone and Viry. This is the birth of the #A522. This is our very first 2022 fire-up. pic.twitter.com/mmemLxhDvB
The French team is retaining last year's official lineup: Esteban Ocon had in 2021 his best season with Alpine so far, including an incredible race win obtained in Hungary, and scoring overall 74 points.
Two times World Champion Fernando Alonso rejoined F1 in the previous season after a two years break, with the same team he had won his titles with.
After a tough few races in the earlier part of 2021, he managed to outscore Ocon in the drivers'standings by being consistently in the points, and ended his year on an high with a podium in Qatar.
The Spanish driver has recently undergone surgery to remove the titanium plates that were inserted in his jaw after his cycling accident in the last February, and is now as ready to focus on the upcoming racing season as his teammate.
A new signing was made for the role of reserve driver, after Guanyu Zhou's move to Alfa Romeo. 2021 Formula 2 Champion Oscar Piastri will take on the Chinese's former role alongside Daniil Kvyat.
Alpine has recently undergone through a major renoval of their internal organisation, as many top figures left the team in the past weeks, including Team Principal Marcin Budkowski, with Otmar Szafnauer, previously at Aston Martin, rumoured to replace him, and Alain Prost.
