Upheavals at Alpine
The controversies after the contact between Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly on the first lap in Monaco, the negotiations with Flavio Briatore, the exit of the Director of Operations Rob White and the confirmation of the divorce between Ocon and the team expected at the end of the year: it is in this climate of continuous changes and tensions that theAlpine stops in Montreal for the Canadian Grand Prix of this weekend, the first with Ocon’s future already clear.
All the energy on track
The Frenchman, who had even been doubted for the race in North America following the reaction of team principal Bruno Famin, who had stated that there would be consequences after Monaco, is preparing to take to the track in this climate, wanting now focus on the challenge that awaits him and the team in Canada: “A lot has been said in the last few daysso I can’t wait to get back to riding and getting back on the track – he has declared – my attention and energy are completely dedicated to the team and maximizing results on the track, starting as early as this weekend in Canada. The pace we showed in Monaco was positive, especially in qualifying setup, where we had the opportunity to get both cars into Q3. As a team, we have made steady progress throughout the season. Although the characteristics of the circuit are very different, we hope to be able to carry the momentum to Montreal and show a speed similar to that of Monaco. The pitch is extremely close right now, so it’s important to get every single performance. Straight line speed is important in Montreal, as is braking stability and curb clearance. Furthermore, the track can be quite bumpy in some placesso it will be interesting to see how the car behaves on the new asphalt.”
Doohan still on track
There have therefore been no upheavals regarding the possible replacement of Ocon from the Canadian GP, even if the Frenchman will not take to the track in Montreal for the FP1. In this case, in fact, Alpine has confirmed the presence of the third driver Jack Doohanan Australian son of art who had already participated in the first free practice sessions in four other GPs between 2022 and 2023: “I can’t wait to get on track in Montreal for FP1 – declared the 21 year old – It will be my first time driving in Montreal, and I can’t wait to do it. I am grateful to the team for giving me the opportunity to do more track time and familiarize myself with the 2024 cars at the start of the season. This will also help me in the work I’m doing in the simulator, particularly in the European rounds. My focus will be on doing what’s best for the team and maximizing the session for both drivers by examining some of the test items and understanding the new track surface.”
Pros and cons of new asphalt
Instead, it aims to reconfirm itself Pierre Gasly. Despite the contact at Goalkeeper with his teammate, guilty of an overly aggressive maneuver, the Frenchman still managed to finish in 10th place, thus obtaining his first placing in the points this season: “It’s always an interesting place to race, because it’s a non-permanent circuit which brings with it some interesting challenges – he explained regarding Montreal – we expect a much smoother track, given that the track has been resurfacedbut this could also mean that adhesion is poor, especially on the testing day on Friday. In the last two seasons we have seen wet qualifying. We will need to be aware of the variety of conditions we may encounter over the weekend in Montreal and be ready for everything. At the moment, however, I am satisfied with the progress made in recent weeks and we must aim to continue with positive performances on the track“.
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