By sportswriter Wang Zijiang
SUZUKA, Japan, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) — Chinese driver Zhou Guanyu stated right here on Thursday that he’ll purpose greater subsequent season with Alfa Romeo.
Zhou, China’s first full-time F1 driver, was handed a recent deal by Alfa Romeo final week that can maintain him on the staff for 2023, alongside Valtteri Bottas.
“For my side, it just gets a lot of pressure off my shoulder,” he stated at a press convention for Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix. “For the next season, the target and objective will be higher. I want to do better.”
The 23-year-old is happy along with his efficiency in his debut F1 season, by which he has scored six factors.
“This season for me is great so far,” he stated. “I have a lot of difficult moments and a lot of ups and downs, but overall I am happy to be able to show a new chapter.”
“The team is happy with the job I have done. I am satisfied with the achievement we have achieved together with the team,” he added.
Zhou, who moved to England on the age of 10, was assured of the race on a observe just like the British Grand Prix.
“The track has a lot of high-speed corners. My favorite track is Silverstone, so maybe it is a little bit similar. I am really looking forward to driving the Suzuka circuit for the first time.”
Bottas complained final month that Alfa Romeo has been unable to take care of the event tempo of a few of their fellow midfield groups. Zhou revealed each vehicles have gotten some upgrades for the race.
“We are going to have new front wings for both cars,” Zhou stated. “During the second half of the season, we have not had too much upgrade compared with our main rivals. We have lost a little bit of speed and performance. It is great to have that. Hopefully, they can work well as expected.”
Zhou is predicted to be welcomed by residence followers when he races in his birthplace Shanghai on the Chinese Grand Prix, which is scheduled to happen on April 16, 2023.
“Of course, it’s great to see the Chinese Grand Prix back on the calendar,” Zhou stated. “The event will be a special one. At the home race, it will be a special moment.”