Alfa Romeo's C43 first F1 2023 car to hit track - sporting different floor
The Swiss outfit revealed a striking new red and black livery on a show car in a launch event earlier this week and released CGI renders of their new challenger.
But a first genuine glimpse at an actual 2023 car has now been provided, with Alfa Romeo sharing a short clip of their Ferrari-powered C43 hitting the track for its first run at the Spanish Grand Prix venue.
Intriguingly, the C43 appeared without the radical floor edge design first seen on the digital renders at the launch.
Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu shared driving duties as Alfa Romeo used up one of their two permitted filming days, both of which are limited to 100km of mileage.
It enabled the team to get an initial systems check out of the way and gave the drivers a first feel of their new car ahead of pre-season testing, which gets underway in Bahrain next week.
Your first look at #F1 2023 on track. #GetCloser pic.twitter.com/P3oMh0xtqk
— Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake (@alfaromeof1) February 10, 2023
Alfa Romeo technical director Jan Monchaux said it had been a successful first run out.
“The debut of our C43 is a pivotal moment in our season: it marks the start of our on-track campaign and really drives home how close the season is," he said.
"Today was important to ensure everything is in place, not just with the car but also with the wider team, ahead of what is going to be a crucial start of the championship.
"We have to thank everyone who worked on the car, and of course also our partners Ferrari, for getting us here. We are ready for testing and we can’t wait to get to work in Bahrain.”
The C43 will have a second run out at Barcelona on Saturday, with reserve driver Theo Pourchaire also getting a chance behind the wheel as Alfa Romeo use their second filming day.
Haas' 2023 challenger is also set to hit the track on the same day for a shakedown at Silverstone.
