Reuters
Formula One F1 – Portuguese Grand Prix – Algarve International Circuit – Portimao, Portugal – April 29, 2021 Alpine’s Esteban Ocon attends a press conference Pool via REUTERS/Gabriel Bouys
Reuters
Formula One F1 – Portuguese Grand Prix – Algarve International Circuit – Portimao, Portugal – April 29, 2021 Alpine’s Esteban Ocon attends a press conference Pool via REUTERS/Gabriel Bouys
After a string of tough races before Silverstone, Esteban Ocon believed the team ought to make a few changes to his machine. The first-lap retirement in Austra was a culmination of a sequence of terrible events for the Frenchman. After changing his Alpine’s chassis, Ocon is nothing but a happy man in Britain.
Although he starts thirteenth on the grid for the inaugural sprint race at Silverstone, he is content with the pace of the car. ” I am happy. We were one second off the pace in the last Austrian race and this time we were where the car was [meant to be] so I feel like it was a massive step.”
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Reuters
Formula One F1 – British Grand Prix – Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone, Britain – July 17, 2021 Alpine’s Esteban Ocon during practice REUTERS/Peter Cziborra
Alpine provided Ocon with a new chassis to “eradicate any doubt,” and they clearly did that. He gave a quick shout-out to the team, saying, “I have to thank the guys for the job that they did for the whole week, searching and trying to get rid of any doubts and we definitely have more pace. It is good.”
Improved pace for Esteban Ocon at Silverstone
The Alpine driver stayed on top of the timesheet for an impressive amount of time at the circuit. Ocon started the first practice session strongly, as the Alpine cruised along the track at a spectacular speed. After displaying a good pace, Esteban placed himself in the middle of the grid at the end of the session.
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The qualifying session wasn’t as good as he would have wanted, but even so, there’s nothing to complain about. Ocon missed out on Q3 and was out-qualified by his teammate, Fernando Alonso. As a result, he will start the sprint race in P13.
Overall, I’m pleased with today even if the result is slightly disappointing. I’m happy to see that we’re back on the pace and getting the maximum out of the car. Thanks to everyone at Enstone, Viry and at the track for all their hard work over the last week. All to play now 👌🏻! pic.twitter.com/5JAvbprCrK
— Esteban Ocon (@OconEsteban) July 16, 2021
The last practice session of the weekend is likely to leave him more hopeful for the Sprint. Ocon placed fourth, ahead of Sergio Perez. He also out-performed both McLarens and Mercedes. So, the Frenchman is clearly adjusting well to the chassis and the circuit.
“The pace is back, and that is good news,” claims the driver. Do the other midfield cars feel the same?
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