Aston Martin taken by Alonso "killer instinct"

Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack has hailed Fernando Alonso's "killer instinct" with the two-time F1 champion preparing to join the outfit at the end of the season.

The Silverstone-based team pulled off a coup with the signature of the veteran Spaniard from rivals Alpine, catching the paddock by surprise just days after Sebastian Vettel announced his retirement from the sport.

Alonso has been back to form for the French manufacturer this season with the highlight a second-place in qualifying for the Canadian Grand Prix.

In the team's half-term report, Krack said of Alonso: "He just has that killer instinct.

"No matter what, you know that Fernando will always give you everything: always push 100 per cent, always extract the maximum from the car and the team.

"His racecraft is exceptional – a formidable combination of confidence, instinct and intelligence.

"Signing Fernando is a clear statement of our intent at Aston Martin F1. We are not on the grid to make up the numbers. We are here to win."

Alonso will "demand a lot" from Aston Martin

Aston Martin has struggled to make an impression on F1's midfield since its rebrand from Racing Point under the watchful eye of Lawrence Stroll.

An upgrade to its facilities is well underway at its Silverstone-base and Alonso's decision to add his experience to the project proves the promise, according to Krack.

"We are on a journey to the front of the grid and Fernando’s decision to join us on that journey – to have a driver of his calibre believe in the Aston Martin F1 project – is a great compliment to our team and the work we are doing," he added.

"He will demand a lot from us, but that’s to be expected from a multiple World Champion. Fernando will be a driving force as we climb together and, like everyone in the team, I cannot wait to work with him.

"The prospect of having Fernando and Lance in the car next year is a hugely exciting one."

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