Released in Q1, Gasly doesn’t have an explanation after being in a slide everywhere
The first qualifying session was bitter for the Alpine team, especially for the driver of car No. 10, who will start dead last for the first Grand Prix of the season.
She was highly anticipated, to get a better idea of the overall hierarchy and to finally know Alpine’s level. The qualifying session ended Pierre Gasly’s hopes as early as Q1.
Author of the 17th time, before having his lap time cancelled for exceeding track limits. And will start from the 20th position on the starting grid.
Upon his arrival in the interview area, Gasly does not hide his disappointment and his confusion in front of Canal+’s microphone.
“He says, ‘We will have to work,’ declares the native of Rouen.”
« We were doing well since the beginning of the weekend. We made some changes so that I would have more traction before because I was struggling with understeer during practice sessions, and the opposite happened in qualifying: I was sliding everywhere. »
« I have no explanation for what happened. We will surely bounce back tomorrow, that’s our goal now. It has been much more complicated than we expected. We will have to work to be able to get back in the race. »
Ocon saves the furniture.
On his side, Esteban Ocon, slightly relieved, managed to make his way into the final part of the qualifying and will start from the fifth row in ninth position.
« It’s clearly the best position we could have hoped for with the car,” says the Frenchman excitedly.
« We have a little bit of work ahead of us. But it was the best car I’ve had to drive since the preseason tests. We have clearly made progress, I am happy with this qualifying session. But it’s a Grand Prix where tire degradation will be significant. »
« We’re aiming for the top 10, we want to finish in the top 10 and score some points. The race will be long, we’ll have to make the right pit stops, take advantage of possible safety cars, and optimize to the fullest. »
