Experience the Thrill: Valtteri Bottas Tests the New Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale
Valtteri Bottas, a Formula 1 driver and proud owner of the new Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale, enjoyed an action-packed day at the Balocco Proving Ground in Vercelli province. He actively participated in testing the "00 prototype" of the bespoke car alongside the Alfa Romeo engineering team.
Bottas shared his excitement after the testing session: "Testing the 33 Stradale was an extraordinary experience. I am eager for the seasoned Alfa Romeo development team to incorporate my feedback for the final adjustments. Configuring my car with the 'Bottega Alfa Romeo' was captivating and thrilling, and driving it today was truly exhilarating. I'm just looking forward to my own 33 Stradale being ready! I am extremely pleased with today's testing; it was nearly perfect, representing complete harmony with the car. The car is incredibly intuitive and fun, making it accessible not just for F1 drivers but for anyone. Additionally, its distinctive Alfa Romeo sound fully enhances the driving experience."
The iconic Balocco Proving Ground, established in 1962 and renowned for testing high-performance racing cars for international competitions, was the perfect venue for this event. The Alfa Romeo engineering team conducted the test session, putting Bottas through various medium- and high-speed tests focusing on the car's balance, braking system, and handling. The ambitious, dynamic goal of the project has always been to deliver the best driving experience in its class.
The session began with Bottas taking a familiarisation lap in the Giulia GTAm around the Alfa Romeo track to get accustomed to its surface. Notably, Bottas, a member of the exclusive “Club 33,” had purchased one of the 500 Giulia GTAm models the previous year. This model features ultra-light materials and a potent 540-hp 2.9 V6 Bi-Turbo engine.
Bottas then took the helm of the 33 Stradale, immediately praising its intuitive and straightforward nature. The initial tests at moderate speed allowed him to assess the precision of the steering and the responsiveness of the braking system, along with the car's characteristic handling provided by the aluminium H-frame, carbon-fibre monocoque, and sophisticated suspension setup.
Later, Bottas increased the speed to evaluate the car under more demanding conditions. The 33 Stradale, equipped with a 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo engine delivering over 620 hp and paired with an eight-speed DCT gearbox, rear-wheel drive, and electronic limited-slip differential, showed its mettle. The car boasts a 333 km/h speed and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in under three seconds. Two driving modes, "Strada" and "Pista," are selectable via switches on the central tunnel, enhancing either comfort or performance.
In the "Pista" mode, Bottas explored the 33 Stradale's full capabilities, engaging the “Partenza Veloce” (Quick Start) feature to maximise acceleration without wheel slippage. The V6 engine's symphonic sound further amplified this performance, creating an enveloping experience within the cabin.
The active suspension system also played a crucial role in the test, offering an optimal blend of comfort and performance with its dual-arm Alfa Romeo suspension and semi-virtual steering.
Concluding the test, Bottas commended the brakes' precision and adaptability, which perform exceptionally across different driving modes. The carbon-ceramic brakes, designed by Brembo for Alfa Romeo, ensure responsive braking with minimal fade at high temperatures.
After completing the rigorous tests, Bottas had the chance to drive the all-electric Junior 280 Veloce. Although it delivers lesser performance than the 33 Stradale, it still offers impressive driving dynamics, showcasing the same level of expertise found in Alfa Romeo's development team.
