(Motorsports news) Zhou was given the opportunity to develop at the Hinwil squad for a second year after an unsatisfactory debut campaign. The 2023 driver from China has paid back that trust with more reliable and assured performances over the first half of the season. Although it has been difficult for Zhou to stand out due to Alfa Romeo’s underwhelming car performance, he intends to use the August break to reach an agreement on a new contract.  

I definitely want to have a clear image before the summer is out, so we need to figure out how to get everything down on paper, said Zhou. My manager is talking to the team, so we’ll have to wait and see. The team seems to be satisfied with the work we were able to accomplish, so I feel less apprehensive than I did at this time last year. I’m merely carrying on with my previous work.

“I believe things will materialize, but it takes some time to understand. I am certainly quite delighted to continue in the future because I feel pretty satisfied with the situation and the individuals I have been working with. “Trying to remain here is my first priority. I genuinely feel like I’ve gotten along well with the squad after two years.

In a midfield that is incredibly competitive and where Alfa is currently in ninth place, Zhou has been matching his much more experienced teammate Valtteri Bottas, and this has been noted by the Sauber-run team. Zhou’s response when asked if he or the team had set the goal was, “I think it’s a little bit of both. I want to keep my pace the same as last year, but the team also expects me to go one step farther this time around.

“On the other hand, there are some shortcomings from last year that I wanted to strengthen, and I believe we’ve been moving in the right direction. With the exception of the points, the rest has been much stronger. The 24-year-old continued, “We were able to accomplish pretty similar in terms of performance and one-lap pace from the first qualifying of the year.

“Of course, the package, luck, and strategy all play a role in the race, but overall, I believe that I was able to start toward my goal with my benchmark, Valtteri, at the beginning of the year. I was able to do that, and it appears to be keeping everyone content in the factory, so my future concerns are fewer.

ValteBottas has already committed to the team for the following season, and managing director Alessandro Alunni Bravi stated he was eager to have a consistent driver lineup until 2024. We’ve always emphasized that stability is crucial to us, he continued. “We are a team that is undergoing a metamorphosis, and we work to maintain as much stability as we can in any situation.

“After the summer break, I’ll have time to talk with Zhou and consider the best course of action for both of us. Next year, we hope to retain both drivers on our team, but obviously, everything must work out for everyone to benefit.

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