The 2-time world champion lined up fifth on the grid as rain arrived in time for the race begin, with the entire area shod with slick Pirellis.
Eventual race runner-up Alonso squeezed across the outdoors of fellow Spaniard and Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz by way of Flip 2 to cement his beginning place earlier than diving to the within of the banked Flip 3 left-hander.
As Mercedes racer George Russell and Williams’ Alex Albon opted for a extra typical dry high-line across the bowl, Alonso swept by way of the underside of the curve to emerge in third place behind Lando Norris.
Alonso stated the inspiration for his double overtake got here from experimenting in Friday follow.
“It was FP1 or FP2, it was moist and in one of many out-laps I let a couple of vehicles go on the traditional racing line and I discovered a variety of grip on the within casually, by simply letting individuals go,” Alonso revealed.
“So, I stored in my head, on a regular basis, all of the weekend, in case it was moist.
“I used to be able to attempt once more and, to be sincere, after we had been on the grid, and the pink lights had been on for the beginning of the race, there have been a variety of drops within the visor.
“So, that is the worst feeling you’ll be able to have since you are prepared to begin the race on a slick tyre and in your visor, you see that it’s raining.
“So, you don’t have any thought of the grip that you’ll discover in Flip 1 braking, or Flip 3.”
Max Verstappen, Crimson Bull Racing RB19, Lando Norris, McLaren MCL60, Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin AMR23
Picture by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images
Alonso says he predicted everybody would take it straightforward on the drizzly first lap by way of the banked nook, particularly for the reason that high of it’s bordered by extra slippery promoting banners painted on the asphalt.
This enabled him to tug off what he thought was worthy of “overtake of the month”.
Alonso continued: “So, I assumed everybody will likely be a little bit bit cautious in Flip 3 with the grip stage.
“Additionally, simply outdoors Flip 3 there’s paint, so you must be a little bit bit cautious there. So, I assumed concerning the inside line, it may work and yeah, we overtook these two vehicles.
“Undoubtedly, that must be the overtake of the month, once more. I hope.”
