MANAMA: Oscar Piastri was not yet born when Fernando Alonso made his Formula One debut and both said on Thursday (Mar 2) they felt privileged at the prospect of racing each other in Sunday's Bahrain season-opener.Aston Martin driver Alonso's first appearance for now-defunct Minardi was the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on Mar 4, 2001.
Piastri was born in the same city on April 6 of that year.While Piastri makes his debut, the race will be Alonso's record-extending 356th F1 start."Privileged to still drive here, better than ever.
I have no concerns on age yet," Alonso, 41, told reporters at the Sakhir circuit with Piastri sitting in the same FIA press conference for the first time as a Formula One driver.Piastri, who was reserve to Alonso at Renault-owned Alpine last season, returned the compliment."It's a privilege to race against Fernando obviously.
I grew up watching him. My first go-kart ever was a Fernando Alonso kart, actually," he said."On paper, it sounds a little bit strange ...