Alfa Romeo: a double Top 10 that relaunches well

The points: this had not happened since Valtteri Bottas’s 10th place in Monza, early September. Alfa Romeo is having a very difficult season in terms of performance and has scored very few points.

But the Losail round was conducted at a good pace and it took the right amount of boldness to achieve a double Top 10 which somewhat boosts the morale of the Hinwill troops.

Valtteri Bottas and Guanyu Zhou respectively ranked 8th and 9th: this is the first time this year that the Alfa Romeos of the Finn and the Chinese have both made it into the Top 10. With six points against two for Williams and Alex Albon, the Clover brand continues to chase the Grove team in the championship, for the pursuit of the 7th place among the constructors.

Zhou breathes a sigh of relief, Bottas accumulates

In the case of Guanyu Zhou, he is in the points for the 3rd time of the year, always in 9th place, as in Melbourne and Barcelona. He benefited from the penalty imposed on Sergio Pérez to pass.

The performance is all the more remarkable as the Chinese started from 19th place! His path led him to the Top 10 during the course of the race. Consistency paid off, as did pace.

« It’s a great result after such a delicate weekend » the person involved was saying. « It’s a just reward for all the work done by everyone, including in the factory. Starting 19th, therefore last, and finishing in the points as a regular, it’s something quite special for us. »

His garage neighbor, Valtteri Bottas, also did a good job. The double vice-champion of the world 2019 and 2020 knows many hardships in a team that no longer allows him to play in the forefront. But the Qatari round has duly rewarded him for his efforts.

« I am, of course, very happy with the result. A double entry in the points is perfect for us, as a team. These four points are a reward for the whole team. » And the Finn added: « we are beginning to understand the changes (…). We seem stronger than on the last races and it delights me. »