MIAMI — Week by week, lap by lap, and second by second, the progress is coming for Alpine.
The latest step in the Formula 1 team’s development? Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon not only advancing to Q2 for the second race in a row, but making even a little more noise than just that along the way here at the Miami Grand Prix. When Q1 came to a close there was a shock in the top ten:
Gasly up in P5.
Ultimately both drivers were eliminated in Q2, with Gasly set to start Sunday’s Miami Grand Prix in P12, with Ocon right behind him in P13.
For Gasly, this is yet another sign that the team is moving in the right direction.
“I think we can be pleased,” said Gasly following qualifying to the media, including SB Nation. “And it just shows we are heading in the right direction.”
Gasly also noted just how close he was to advancing to Q3.
“But, you know, all in all, only a tenth away from top ten,” added Gasly.
On the other side of Alpine’s garage, Ocon was a little more frustrated at being eliminated in Q2. “It looks good because everyone is saying, ‘yeah, two cars in Q2.’ But, I mean, we’ve been through a lot this year,” said Ocon following qualifying. “This session there was more on the table.”
However, Ocon sounded more optimistic about the team’s chances on Sunday, and their race pace.
“Yeah, race tomorrow, we’ll see what we get,” added Ocon. “I think the changes should be decent for race pace.”
With both drivers starting inside the top 15 tomorrow, that gives the team their best starting position yet this season. And, if Ocon’s predictions about race pace do come true, that would mean even one more step forward for the team this season.
Put those together, and Alpine has a chance to do something they have not accomplished yet this season.
Take home some points.