2020 AlphaTauri doesn’t have any big weaknesses - Gasly

AlphaTauri’s 2020 Formula 1 car does not have any major weaknesses and is a “good evolution” compared to its predecessor, according to Pierre Gasly.

The rebranded former Toro Rosso squad is aiming to build on its sixth-placed finish in the 2019 constructors’ championship with its AT01 contender.

AlphaTauri enjoyed a solid pre-season test at Barcelona, leaving Gasly feeling optimistic about the team’s chances, though he must wait to find out its true potential due to a delayed start to the campaign amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Ahead of the abandoned Australian Grand Prix, Gasly said: “I think as a package it’s a good evolution compared to last year

“There are a couple of things that are better, some other things we need to work on, but overall I think we have good potential.

"It’s not like we have big weaknesses,” he added. "I think general comments you always want more downforce, high speed, low speed is a bit mechanical.

“I don’t think the whole car there’s something wrong with it, but we just need to bring more downforce, which is going to be the story the whole year for everybody.”

Attempting to rank the performance of the midfield pack during testing was particularly difficult, though Racing Point caught the attention of its rivals with its RP20 challenger that has taken inspiration from Mercedes’ 2019 title-winning W10.

Asked who he feels will be the benchmark of the midfield this year, the Frenchman replied: ”I think Racing Point seems to be fast.

“I don’t want to say too much, we need to analyse everything but Renault are fast, sometimes some cars are fast, sometimes they’re a bit slower.

“I didn’t spent much time looking at them, we just focus on our car, try to feel comfortable in it, trying to put in the laps to extract the maximum we can out of what we have and I’m pretty happy with where we are.

“But we need to work harder and find a bit more.”