Alpine’s success in qualifying is “very unexpected” for Esteban Ocon
Qualifying in 9th position for the start of Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix, Esteban Ocon admitted to reporters that the performance of the two Alpines was a real surprise.
It’s a surprise for everyone, including the drivers concerned: both Alpine cars have qualified for Q3 at the Spanish Grand Prix, with Pierre Gasly in 7th place on the starting grid and Esteban Ocon starting from 9th place.
Questioned by journalists after the qualifying session, Esteban Ocon revealed that he really did not expect such a performance from the cars. “I think I said before the weekend that we were struggling to get out of Q1, and you know, we are in Q3, in the top 10 for tomorrow’s race, so very unexpected , I would say,” he said. “This performance highlights the potential of the car, which had shown promises since Free Practice 1,” he added. “The car has performed well since Free Practice 1, which shows that we have a lot to understand about this car,” he added.
Despite the lack of constant updates for each race, the team’s efforts seem to be starting to pay off. “It’s clearly improving, slowly but surely with what we’re doing in terms of understanding,” explained Ocon, while acknowledging that there is still much to learn, especially regarding the different behaviors between cars.
A track-dependent factor
The Frenchman once again praised the team’s achievement by meeting the weight requirements for both cars this weekend. “The positive thing is that we are both at the weight this weekend, so it’s another solid job from the team,” he noted. However, he emphasized the importance of continuing to analyze to understand why their performance fluctuates between different circuits. “We will continue to dig and hope to understand why it worked so well and why it’s not going as well on other tracks,” Ocon remarked.
Interrogated about the conditions contributing to their better-than-expected performance, he hinted at a possible track-dependent factor. “I have a slight idea of what it is; unfortunately, it’s very dependent on the track,” he said. He suggested that this factor may not be replicable on all circuits but remains optimistic for the upcoming races. “The next tracks should be okay,” said Ocon confidently.
The conversation then turned to the type of tracks that suit their car best. When asked if less winding and bumpy tracks were advantageous, Ocon replied with a laugh: “Maybe!”
The driver finally mentioned having met Flavio Briatore, newly appointed as executive advisor of Alpine, highlighting his valuable experience in Formula 1. “I met him yesterday, I talked a little with him, and he obviously has a lot of experience in Formula 1, so it’s good to meet him,” concluded Ocon.
