Adrian Newey, head of the Aston Martin team competing in the Formula 1 World Championship, saw the end of a 'nightmare' and the beginning of a return to competitiveness after his team's cars appeared on track for the first time during the Hungarian Grand Prix on Friday, following major updates.

Newey, the most famous Formula 1 car designer, also predicted that two-time world champion Fernando Alonso, who turns 45 next week, will continue with Aston Martin.

Newey told journalists after the first free practice session at the Hungaroring, which the Spaniard Alonso finished in 13th place, after finishing previous races in low positions: 'These first races were a nightmare in every sense. We hope now to at least reach an acceptable level, and then we can try to continue progressing.'

Aston Martin, based in Silverstone, has scored only one point in 10 rounds and sits second-to-last in the standings, ahead of newly joined Cadillac.

The team's only point also came after Cadillac driver Sergio Pérez, who finished the Monaco race in 10th, received a penalty for improper positioning of his car at the restart.

Newey avoided setting specific performance targets for the Hungarian Grand Prix or the second half of the season.

He said: 'I have never been a fan of setting targets.'

He added: 'I prefer to work logically on solving problems, make everyone work together, and build team culture.'

Newey said that Alonso is an exceptional driver who contributes a lot to the team with his observations, experience, and ability.

When asked about the importance of Alonso continuing with the team, he said: 'For us, of course, it is important.'

He added: 'I am quite confident that Fernando is enjoying his time with us, and that we will continue our relationship.'

Newey said that the relationship with Honda, whose engine was the least competitive among the teams in the first year of the partnership, is continuously improving.

He added: 'After what can be described as a disastrous start, the positive side of that... is that it brought Honda closer to us and made us work together very closely.'

He continued: 'We continue to strengthen this relationship in all areas. I think I am very happy with the progress we are making in terms of our relationship, and usually relationships improve and performance improves as well.'

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